Executive women paying it forward

Are executive women gaining power at the expense of their health? In today's rapidly evolving corporate landscape, women have made significant strides in breaking through glass ceilings and assuming leadership positions, with a cohort of women leaders who have risen, determined to make things better for the next generation. However, with the ascent to executive roles come a unique set of challenges that women must confront. Balancing professional responsibilities while safeguarding your health and wellbeing becomes crucial for sustained success.

CEOs who are mentally or physically less fit to run the organisation are more likely to lose their jobs, either because they are fired by the board or because they think it is in their own best interest to step down.?

It can be overwhelming for many women in demanding leadership roles to juggle work and outside responsibilities, including family and caring commitments. As natural carers, women (up to one in five) experience common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, leading to further stress and isolation, resulting in long-term effects on their mental health and wellbeing.

The list of challenges affecting women is long. Women are?twice as likely?as men to experience depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD, and much more likely to battle eating disorders.?Pay inequity,?caregiving responsibilities, and?gender-based violence?are among?the contributing risk factors?to common mental health conditions. ?Women leaders often encounter bias and stereotypes rooted in societal norms and preconceived notions. They may face scrutiny and have to work harder to prove their abilities, which can lead to additional stress and anxiety.

In order to address some of the challenges faced by women executives, there are a few key changes they can make:

Develop strong support networks around you, through connections with mentors, peers, and support groups that provide guidance and encouragement. Individuals who spend quality time with the important people in their lives to cultivate meaningful relationships are known to be happier.

Build self-confidence, focus on personal and professional achievements to boost self-esteem and combat imposter syndrome. Be authentic and true to yourself, lead with confidence and challenge traditional expectations and stereotypes.

Carving out alone time, it is vital for senior leaders to schedule adequate uninterrupted time by themselves so that they can have space to reflect and prepare for meetings.?

Achieve work-life balance and preserve your health and relationships with family and friends. Look for opportunities to delegate tasks effectively, establish boundaries between work and personal life, prioritise self-care and schedule time in your diary to exercise, relax and recharge that is not negotiable to prevent burnout. Research tells us that self-care holds high potential to minimise harm from burnout, whilst promoting personal and professional wellbeing.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, focusing on regular exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep to sustain physical and mental energy levels. A focus on optimal nutrition is critical to support health and wellbeing, however only 7% of adults meet daily recommendations for vegetable intake, and 51% for recommended fruit intake. ?Physical activity promotes greater mental health and reduces the risk of mental illness, including anxiety and depression, but unfortunately, up to 75% of adults do not meet the physical activity guidelines. Getting the recommended amount of sleep is critical, but up to 45% of adults in Queensland experience inadequate sleep or poor sleep health, and there is a well-established relationship between diminished sleep and a long list of physical, mental, and emotional disorders.?Optimal sleep has been shown to boost physical performance and cognitive processing.

Authentic leadership is an extremely effective, evidence-based way to gain trust and lessen stigma.?Sharing some of your challenges is one of the most powerful things you can do.?It signals to employees that they can discuss what was once taboo in the workplace and helps them feel comfortable sharing.

Lastly, whilst women executives face unique challenges in leadership roles, they possess immense potential to lead and succeed. By addressing gender biases, maintaining work-life balance, and prioritizing personal wellbeing, women can navigate these challenges with resilience and thrive in their roles. As they take care of their health and wellbeing, women executives not only elevate their own success, but also serve as role models, inspiring future generations of female leaders.

Be the Change.