The Leadership Blueprint: Unleash the Power of Mentorship, Mental Health and Psychological Safety.
Marc Miller, MSc.
Founder | Mental Wellness Consultant & Behavioural Specialist | Speaker
Did you know that a survey conducted in 2021 showed that over 70% of American employees presented with mental health challenges? This alarming statistic is only on the rise and highlights the need for workplaces to prioritise mental health. Additionally, companies that fail to address the mental health concerns of employees face a 7.9% increase in sick days and a higher turnover rate compared to those who implement mental health strategies. The message is clear: workplaces must take mental health seriously.
?Leaders are at the forefront of this transformation. By incorporating mental health strategies, they can alleviate employee concerns while fostering their well-being. This article is going to delve into the pivotal role of leaders in workplace mental health and practical strategies backed by research.
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The Role of Mentorship in Mental Health.
?Workplace mental health plays a pivotal role in employee retention and job satisfaction. The global cost of mental health challenges like depression and anxiety is staggering, estimated at nearly $1 trillion annually, and it is projected to rise to $16 trillion by 2030. This immense financial burden underscores the necessity of proactive workplace mental health strategies and initiatives.
?Leaders have a unique opportunity to shape a positive workplace culture, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and burnout. Dr. Amy Edmondson of Harvard Business School introduces the concept of psychological safety in the workplace— a workplace environment where individuals feel free to take risks, voice concerns, and express their aspirations. In her findings, she saw two major outcomes within teams with high psychological safety — higher performance and productivity and lower levels of stress.
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Google’s Project Aristotle
In 2012, Google conducted a groundbreaking study named “Project Aristotle” to identify what makes a successful team and what increases workplace satisfaction and performance. Their findings were clear: psychological safety is a key factor for work satisfaction and performance. Teams that fostered trust, open communication and a sense of belonging outperformed those that did not. These elements encouraged calculated risk-taking and strengthened team cohesion. ?
?Recognising these benefits, Google naturally decided to implement mental health strategies within their organisation. The results? Increased productivity, creativity, innovation and job satisfaction. Due to these outstanding benefits, psychological safety and mental health considerations have become a cornerstone of Google’s leadership training programs, fostering a thriving organisational culture.
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Mentorship as a Key Strategy for Psychological Safety.
One of the most impactful ways to reinforce psychological safety and reinforcing in the workplace is through mentorship. Having mentorship programs is proven to build trust, collaboration and autonomy, making employees feel supported and increasing job satisfaction.
?Studies published in peer-reviewed journals, such as the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, suggest that mentorship programs can significantly reduce stress, and employees are less likely to experience burnout. Employees who participated in Randstad’s mentorship programs were 49% less likely to leave the company, resulting in significant cost savings and improved retention rates.
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Neurological Benefits of Mentorship.
?Mentorship and psychological safety have profound effects on your brain:
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?Stress Reduction: Psychological safety can reduce cortisol (a stress hormone) levels and reduce activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This is part of the brain that is responsible for stress activation. ?
?Improved Emotional Regulation: Mentorship and psychological safety have been shown to reduce stress levels and improve emotional regulation, supporting overall mental well-being. This allows employees to remain calm and focused, improving satisfaction and productivity.
?Enhanced Learning and Memory: Mentored employees experience increased neuroplasticity, enabling them to adapt and acquire new skills more effectively.
?These neurological benefits translate to better emotional resilience, higher engagement, and stronger performances.
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Steps to Promote Mental Health and Mentorship.
?As you can see there are major benefits to fostering psychological safety, mental health and mentorship. Here are actionable steps to integrate mentorship into your organisation: ?
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Mentorship and Psychological Safety Matters.
?Fostering psychological safety, mental health, and mentorship in the workplace is not just a moral responsibility but also a strategic advantage for organisations. The evidence is clear— when employees feel supported and valued, they are more productive, innovative and loyal. Leaders are the driving force of this transformation. By championing mental health initiatives, modelling empathetic behaviours, and creating an environment of collaboration and trust, they set the stage for a thriving workplace. The steps in this article outline a road map for organisations to embed these principles in their work culture.
?As a mental health consultant and behavioural strategist, I specialise in implementing tailored strategies that align with your organisation’s goals. Let’s work together to build a thriving and resilient workforce. Reach out to find out more.
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