According to the 2024 Mind Your Health in the Workplace study by AXA, 75% of the working population suffer from at least one mind health issue due to their working environment. 

For leaders, addressing mental wellness is not just a moral obligation. It is essential for sustaining a healthy and high-performing workplace, which can lead to improved overall company success.

The Importance of Prioritising Mental Wellness in the Workplace

Leaders are now pivotal in fostering a healthy and supportive environment. As work-related stress and burnout continue to rise, promoting mental wellness can improve employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention. 

The Impact of Poor Mental Health at Work

When companies ignore mental health, it can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and a negative impact on workplace culture. Also, employees suffering from mental health challenges may experience burnout, disengagement and reduced motivation. 

So, what can you as a leader do to help with this troubling situation?

The Leader’s Role

Leaders can significantly influence workplace mental health by setting the tone for the organisational culture. Their approach to supporting mental wellness can help to shape employee experiences. 

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How Leaders Can Recognise the Signs of Poor Mental Wellness in the Workplace

Knowing what to do as a leader can help you assess the situation and implement strategies to help your employees. Here are a couple of things you can do to help.

Observe Your Employees

Leaders must remain attentive to their team’s emotional and psychological states. Proactively observing changes in employees’ behaviour or mood can help identify potential mental health struggles before they escalate.

Foster Open Communication

It is essential to create an environment where employees feel safe discussing their mental health challenges. Open communication can help you, as a leader, identify concerns early and arrange support for your employees.

Creating a Supportive Culture to Enhance Mental Wellness in the Workplace

A supportive culture will help make everybody feel part of the team and boost mental wellness in the workplace. Here are some things you can do as a leader to help create a supporting workplace.

Lead by Example

Leaders must model healthy behaviour by managing their stress. When leaders demonstrate healthy habits, employees are likelier to do the same thing. You can do this by:

  • Taking regular breaks
  • Being open about your mental health

Normalise Mental Health Conversations

Leaders should encourage regular workplace discussions about mental wellness and make them part of the company culture. It will reduce the stigma about mental health and promote an open dialogue about mental health challenges.

Promote a Work-Life Balance

Encouraging a healthy balance between work and personal life is essential. Leaders can support this by offering:

  • Enforcing policies that promote regular time off
  • Flexible work schedules 
  • Offer remote work options

Encourage Breaks and Time Off

As a leader, you can promote the importance of taking breaks and holidays. Employees need time to recharge. Time off without guilt can improve mental wellness and productivity.

Implementing Policies and Practices that Foster Mental Wellness in the Workplace

Whenever you implement a new policy, consider mental wellness in the workplace. This will help you create the best system to foster positive mental health at work.

Mental Health Days and Flexible Hours

Introducing policies that offer mental health days or flexible working hours can support employees in managing their mental health. These policies give employees time to recharge when they need it most.

Regular Check-ins and Surveys

Book in frequent mental health check-ins or anonymous surveys. It can help you as a leader gauge employee well-being and identify issues that may affect mental wellness.

Set Realistic Expectations

Leaders should set achievable goals and reasonable deadlines to ensure employees stay calm. Realistic expectations reduce stress and contribute to a more mentally healthy workplace.

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Building Resilience and Encouraging a Growth Mindset to Improve Mental Wellness in the Workplace

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Employees with solid resilience are better equipped to handle stress and recover from challenges. Leaders can help employees build resilience by fostering an environment that does the following:

  • Allows people to learn from their mistakes
  • Encourages problem-solving
  • View challenges as growth opportunities

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Foster a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset can make all the difference. The belief that improvement is possible through effort can help boost mental wellness and make employees more optimistic and adaptable.

Promote Continuous Learning

Offering development opportunities, such as workshops or mentorship programs, helps employees grow personally and professionally, contributing to their mental well-being.

The Role of Leadership Styles in Supporting Mental Wellness in the Workplace

Different leadership styles can also help support mental wellness in the workplace. Here are some examples of suitable leadership styles.

Empathy as a Powerful Leadership Tool

Empathetic leadership is vital in supporting mental wellness. Leaders who show understanding and compassion toward employees’ struggles can foster stronger connections and trust.

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Transformational Leadership

Transformational leaders who inspire and motivate their teams can help employees feel engaged and supported. This leadership style enhances employee well-being and contributes to a positive work environment.

Use Servant Leadership

Servant leadership, which focuses on meeting the needs of employees, creates a supportive environment that promotes mental health. Leaders who prioritise their team’s well-being help build a mentally healthy workplace.

Measuring the Success of Mental Wellness Initiatives in the Workplace

It’s also important to measure how successful your mental wellness initiatives are. 

Tracking Employee Satisfaction and Engagement

Leaders can measure their effectiveness by conducting engagement surveys, gathering feedback, and holding one-on-one employee meetings.

Evaluating Productivity and Performance

Improved productivity and performance levels suggest that mental wellness initiatives are helping employees thrive.

Conclusion

Leaders play a crucial role in boosting mental wellness in the workplace. Leaders can create a healthy workplace by fostering a supportive culture, implementing wellness policies, and encouraging resilience.

Small, proactive steps toward prioritising mental wellness will benefit employees and organisations long-term. Leaders who invest in mental health will see their teams thrive, contributing to a more positive and productive workplace.

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