The crucial role leaders play in supporting mental health
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every October 10th, and its significance grows more evident with each passing year. As society becomes more aware of the importance of mental health, initiatives like World Mental Health Day bring crucial attention to the struggles millions of people face daily. This year's theme, "Mental Health at Work," sheds light on an area that impacts both individuals and organisations profoundly. As stress, burnout, and anxiety levels increase worldwide, focusing on mental health in the workplace isn't just an option anymore—it’s a necessity.
The current landscape of mental health
Globally, anxiety affects 301 million people, depression impacts 280 million, and every year, 703,000 lives are lost to suicide. In India alone, mental health issues cost employers an estimated $14 billion annually. The connection between work and mental health is undeniable—when stress becomes overwhelming, it not only hinders job performance but invades every facet of life. 43% of employees report feeling exhausted, and 71% say that stress at work spills over into their home lives.
Organisations have a crucial role in shaping employee mental health. By fostering a culture of openness and providing access to mental health resources, they can create supportive environments where employees thrive. Simple measures like promoting work-life balance, offering wellness programs, and ensuring access to mental health support can significantly reduce stress and burnout. Ultimately, a company that prioritises mental well-being empowers its workforce to perform at their best while cultivating a more resilient and engaged team.
The leadership role
Leadership’s influence over their team's mental health is profound as a leader. According to a recent study by The Workforce Institute at UKG, almost 70% of employees say their manager has a greater impact on their mental health than their therapist or doctor—comparable to the influence of their life partner. This statistic is both staggering and sobering, underscoring leaders' immense responsibility.
The stakes for leadership are higher than ever. Leaders don’t just affect their teams' productivity or professional development; they have a direct and lasting impact on well-being. In a world where stress, anxiety, and burnout are becoming all too common, the importance of empathetic, mindful leadership cannot be overstated.
It’s time for leaders to take stock, realise their real power in shaping their teams' mental health, and take deliberate steps to foster positive environments.
Leading with empathy and awareness
One of the key findings of the Workforce Institute study is that many leaders underestimate their impact. A third of employees report that their managers don’t recognise their influence on others' well-being. Leaders are constantly being watched—not just for strategic decisions but also for how they handle stress, manage their time, and respond to challenges. This makes empathy and self-awareness critical to leadership success.
As a leader, showing genuine concern for your team members' mental health is essential. Simple actions, like checking in with employees, asking how they’re doing, or offering support during tough times, can make all the difference. Empathy is not just a soft skill; it has tangible benefits. Studies show that empathetic leadership enhances innovation, engagement, and retention.
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The importance of connection
Leadership isn’t just about strategy and direction—it’s about connection. Employees need to feel that they are part of something larger, that their contributions matter, and that their leader cares about them as individuals. Ensuring you are accessible, responsive, and present can significantly enhance your team’s sense of trust and belonging. It’s equally important to connect employees with others across the organisation. Fostering mentorships, encouraging collaboration across departments, and creating opportunities for team members to work together will boost productivity and strengthen your team’s sense of community.
Balance stress and challenge
One of the biggest misconceptions about stress is that all stress is bad. In reality, employees need the right balance of challenge and support—too little stress can lead to disengagement, while too much can cause burnout. Leaders should aim to provide a "Goldilocks" stress level—just the right amount of challenge to keep employees motivated and growing, but not so much that it overwhelms them.
Understand what drives each individual on your team. Some may thrive on high-visibility projects, while others may seek out stretch opportunities that allow them to build new skills. By aligning these opportunities with the individual’s goals and strengths, leaders can create an environment where employees are energised rather than drained.
Empowering through choice
Autonomy is another critical factor in mental health. When employees feel they have a say in how, when, and where they work, their overall well-being improves. This doesn’t mean giving up control as a leader; it means empowering employees with choices that foster a sense of ownership. Flexibility leads to higher engagement, more significant innovation, and better retention. Of course, some roles offer more flexibility than others, but there are opportunities to provide autonomy within every role. Whether it’s letting people choose how they tackle a project or providing flexibility in work schedules, these small changes can significantly impact mental health.
Leaders, take care of yourselves too
It’s impossible to pour from an empty cup. Leaders are not immune to stress; the study highlights that 35% of leaders report feeling stressed at work. It would help if you modelled the behaviours you want to see in your team—prioritise self-care, set boundaries, and delegate effectively. Show your team that it’s okay to say no to overwork and to take time for themselves.
Moving ahead with intention
Leadership can be a heavy responsibility, but it’s also a tremendous opportunity. By leading with empathy, recognising your influence, and creating a positive environment, you can significantly improve your team’s mental health. When your team is mentally healthy, they are more engaged, productive, and motivated.
Leadership may not be rocket science, but it does require intentional effort. By focusing on mental health, you’ll benefit your team and create a more resilient, successful organisation. The stakes are high, but the rewards for those who lead with empathy and awareness are even higher. The well-being of your team—and your own—depends on it.