Leaders Are Struggling: Insights from the 2023 Indicators of a Thriving Workplace Report

2023 report has found: Organisations need to support their leaders and staff better to help them build thriving and mentally healthy workplaces

In the ever-evolving landscape of organisational performance, a crucial factor often overlooked is leaders' and staff's mental health and well-being. The recently released 2023 Indicators of a Thriving Workplace report by SuperFriend sheds light on the intricate dynamics influencing workplace mental health outcomes for nearly 10,000 Australian workers across 19 sectors and industries.

This comprehensive report not only dissects the characteristics of workplaces but also dives into the impact of psychosocial hazards on key mental health-related outcomes such as retention, absenteeism, burnout, and productivity. For executives and entrepreneurs overseeing teams, the findings present a compelling case for a proactive approach to cultivating thriving workplaces.

Key takeaways from the report underscore the urgency for employers to focus on leadership, safety, work design, and capability within their organisations. Shockingly, the report reveals that a substantial 41% of leaders lack essential skills for effective job performance, directly influencing their teams' mental health and well-being.

With nine years of consecutive reporting, SuperFriend's findings are a stark reminder of the need for heightened support for workers and leaders. As we navigate organisational changes, almost half of Australian workers need more confidence in their managers' capabilities, particularly in change management scenarios, reinforcing the need for a positive culture of well-being.

SuperFriend CEO Darren Black emphasises, "With 49% of Australian workers experiencing major organisational changes in the past 12 months and the escalating cost of living pressures, prioritising mental health practices is more crucial than ever."

The report's revelations extend to the distressing fact that 46% of respondents with a mental health condition attribute their workplace to causing or exacerbating their condition. Leadership effectiveness emerges as a critical factor, with those perceiving positive workplace influence on mental health scoring almost 20 points higher than those experiencing a detrimental impact.

Dr Natalie Flatt, Chief Mental Health Advisor at SuperFriend, asserts, "Leaders are the 'culture architects' in the workplace, fostering resilience amidst frequent changes and external pressures." The report signals a concerning gap, with 44% of employees not feeling comfortable discussing their mental health at work.

SuperFriend calls on organisations to delve deeper into the needs of their employees and implement mentally healthy solutions. There exists a unique opportunity for leaders to positively impact the lives of their teams, translating to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism. Dr. Flatt stresses the importance of providing adequate training and support at all levels, fostering a culture of well-being, and prioritising early intervention.

As a seasoned professional in Organisational and Leadership Strategy, I would like to invite teams and organisational leaders to request your team and organisational evaluation. This simple program can help leaders comprehensively assess their organisation's mental health, psychosocial hazards, workplace characteristics, bullying and harassment dynamics, employee engagement levels, and leadership capability developments.

Together, we can build workplaces that not only survive but truly thrive.

Cheers to fostering mentally healthy and thriving workplaces!

Niro Dayalan

Leadership Performance Strategist

www.unkonventional.com