Why Supporting the Mental Well-Being of Employees and Senior Leaders Is Good For Business (and Just the Right Thing to Do)

A healthy mind is the foundation of a thriving business.

by Execs In The Know

Mental health has always been the silent partner in the human experience, quietly influencing our lives and decisions. From the ancient Greeks puzzling over melancholia to today’s corporate boardrooms acknowledging burnout, the awareness of mental health has evolved dramatically. As leaders, understanding this journey isn’t just about being informed — it’s about recognizing our role in fostering environments where well-being is prioritized. It’s about shaping a more compassionate future for our teams and ourselves.

According to recent studies, mental health disorders are on the rise. Anxiety and depression rates have skyrocketed, with many individuals struggling to cope with the rapid changes and uncertainties. In 2021, 22.9 percent of U.S. adults experienced mental illness (57.8 million people).¹ This represents one in five adults. Despite this, discussing mental health remains stigmatized.

In the hustle and bustle of modern business, it’s easy to overlook the well-being of those who keep the gears turning: our employees and senior leaders. But, what if we told you that investing in their mental health is not just a noble endeavor — it’s a strategic business move?

Imagine a workplace where stress is managed, the weight of anxiety is lifted, and everyone feels valued and supported, from the intern to the CEO. Supporting mental well-being isn’t just about avoiding burnout; it’s about fostering a culture of resilience, creativity, and loyalty. When employees know their mental health is a priority, they’re more engaged, productive, and inclined to stay with a company that values them as whole people, not just cogs in a machine.

Let’s dive into why making mental well-being a cornerstone of your business strategy can lead to extraordinary outcomes. As the workplace evolves, prioritizing the mental well-being of employees and senior leaders is beneficial for business, and just the right thing to do. After all, a healthy mind is the foundation of a thriving business.

The Importance of Mental Well-Being in the Workplace

Creating a Supportive Environment

We all know a positive workplace culture isn’t just about ping-pong tables and casual Fridays. It’s about creating a space where employees feel emotionally and mentally supported. When organizations prioritize mental health, they’re not just ticking off a box, but building a foundation for happier, more resilient employees. This means fewer sick days, higher productivity, and a more engaged and motivated team. More than 80 percent of employees say their employers are responsible for their health and well-being.²

Organizations must initiate change at every level to cultivate a positive and healthy workplace. With a staggering 83 percent of employees reporting feelings of emotional exhaustion from their work,³ it has become imperative to adopt a proactive strategy to bolster employee mental health.

Remember, when we invest in our people’s well-being, everyone benefits.

The Impact of Stress

It’s no secret that stress can wreak havoc on our mental health. Long hours, heavy workloads, and poor communication can all contribute to a toxic work environment. When employees are under constant pressure without adequate support, they’re more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and burnout. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to recognize these stressors and take proactive steps to alleviate them. By fostering a culture of open communication and providing practical resources for stress management, we can help our teams thrive.

The Power of Open Communication

Open communication is a game-changer regarding mental health in the workplace. When employees feel they can openly discuss their mental health challenges without fear of judgment or repercussions, it creates a supportive environment. This openness must be championed by leaders who encourage these conversations and actively participate in them. Regular check-ins, mental health days, and accessible resources can all contribute to a culture where mental well-being is prioritized. Employees working in an open, supportive environment are 46 percent more likely to be productive and 30 percent less likely to be stressed.⁴

The Benefits of Flexibility

Flexibility in the workplace is more than just a perk; it’s a critical component of mental health. Whether it’s flexible working hours, the option of working from home, or taking mental health days without stigma, giving employees control over their schedules can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being. This kind of flexibility shows employees that their time and mental health are valued, leading to increased loyalty and job satisfaction.

Promoting Work-Life Balance

A healthy work-life balance is essential for mental health. When employees can effectively separate their work responsibilities from their personal lives, they are more likely to feel fulfilled and less overwhelmed. Companies can promote this balance by setting clear boundaries around work hours, encouraging employees to fully disconnect during their time off, and providing ample vacation time.

By respecting and supporting their personal lives, we empower our employees to bring their best selves to work.

The Importance of Mental Health Resources

Access to mental health resources is a vital part of supporting employees. This includes everything from providing information about mental health services and benefits to counseling and stress management workshops. Companies that invest in these resources are committed to their employees’ well-being. This helps those struggling and creates a culture of care and support that benefits everyone.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you are not alone. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. It offers numerous support resources, including peer-led mental health education programs, support groups, a Helpline, publications and reports, podcasts, webinars, and more.

NAMI is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. There are more than 700 NAMI state organizations and affiliates throughout the country. Contact your local NAMI affiliate to learn what types of programs and support they offer.

Help NAMI in its efforts to destigmatize mental health by taking the StigmaFree pledge. By taking this pledge, you commit to educate yourself on mental health conditions, available resources, and the lived experiences of those around you.

Well-Being Starts at the Top

Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping the mental health of our workforce. It’s about more than just setting policies — it’s about leading by example. When leaders show empathy, actively listen to their employees and prioritize mental health, it sets a powerful precedent. This creates a ripple effect, encouraging employees to speak up about their struggles and seek support. By making mental health a core component of our leadership strategy, we can cultivate a more compassionate and resilient workplace.

Senior leaders are the architects of an organization’s culture. They shape the vision, set the goals, and ensure that a culture of well-being is interwoven into every aspect of the business. With their influence, they can transform well-being from a nice-to-have into a core strategic priority, embedding it into policies and making it a critical Key Performance Indicator (KPI). By rigorously measuring and monitoring well-being initiatives, senior leaders can use data-driven insights to continuously improve the well-being of their teams, making well-being an integral part of the company’s DNA.

Embedding Well-Being into Culture

Creating a culture that genuinely values well-being goes beyond launching programs and initiatives; it requires a deep, systemic change. A positive workplace culture fosters collaboration, support, and innovation, while a toxic environment can undermine even the best well-being programs. Senior leaders must champion well-being as a core organizational value, ensuring it is reflected in everyday practices and interactions. This commitment helps cultivate a work environment where well-being is naturally integrated into the company’s daily operations and ethos.

Healthy People, Healthy Profit

Viewing employees as an organization’s most vital asset is essential for fostering a culture of well-being. Senior leaders must create conditions that enhance employees’ sense of purpose, satisfaction, and productivity. This means providing resources and support to manage daily work-life challenges proactively rather than merely reacting to issues as they arise. By prioritizing mental health strategically, organizations can ensure that employees thrive and that profits are achieved sustainably. This holistic approach leads to lasting business success and a vibrant, engaged workforce.

Speaking of senior leaders, how are we addressing mental health in the C-suite?

The Hidden Toll on CX Leadership

In the hustle and bustle of corporate life, we often champion the mental well-being of our employees, but what about the senior leaders? These individuals carry the weight of organizational goals on their shoulders while striving to maintain their teams’ well-being, yet their mental health is frequently overlooked. The stigma surrounding mental health is a silent adversary, often preventing senior leaders from seeking the help they need.

Many senior leaders fight crises daily and are more connected to their phones and emails than ever. Imagine the unyielding pressure of rising workloads and longer hours. Combine that with a deep-seated commitment to excellence, and you have a recipe for exhaustion. Senior leaders are not just feeling the heat, but burning the candle at both ends. This stress isn’t just eroding their professional relationships, but placing them under greater mental strain than their employees or mid-level managers. Despite this, many remain silent, with over half fearing admitting their struggles could jeopardize their careers.

The numbers paint a stark picture: over 80 percent of senior leaders are experiencing exhaustion levels akin to burnout, and a staggering 51 percent are considering drastic changes such as resigning, moving to less demanding roles, retiring, or taking a leave of absence.⁶ These figures are not just statistics; they represent real people teetering on the edge of burnout.

This crisis extends beyond individual well-being, impacting entire organizations and even broader economic recovery. Losing key leadership talent is just the tip of the iceberg. The broader, often overlooked consequence is the unintentional negative impact highly stressed senior leaders can have on their teams and workplace culture.

Addressing mental health openly and proactively is essential for maintaining a resilient and thriving leadership team capable of navigating today’s complex business landscape.

Leading by Example: Opening Up About Mental Health

In recent years, a growing number of high-profile executives have openly shared their mental health experiences, serving as powerful role models and inspiring others to prioritize their well-being. When leaders of all levels share their personal stories, it reduces stigma and normalizes the ups and downs of being human — especially as a high-performing professional.⁷ Among these leaders are Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, and Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, who have candidly discussed their personal challenges and the importance of self-care.

Nadella has been transparent about his encounters with burnout.⁸ Leading one of the world’s largest tech companies, Nadella has immense responsibilities, and the pressure to perform is relentless. In interviews and public discussions, Nadella has emphasized the critical need for self-care to maintain productivity and overall well-being.

Under Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft has made significant strides in creating a supportive work environment that acknowledges the importance of mental health. He has been a vocal advocate for integrating mental health support into the workplace, promoting policies encouraging employees to take time for themselves and seek help when needed. Nadella’s openness about his struggles and proactive measures to address them paved the way for a more compassionate and understanding corporate culture.

Breaking the Silence on Mental Health in the C-Suite

Indra Nooyi, who served as PepsiCo’s CEO for over a decade, has also been a prominent voice in the conversation about mental health in executive roles.⁹ Throughout her illustrious career, Nooyi has not shied away from discussing the immense pressures and sacrifices associated with being a top executive. She has particularly highlighted the unique challenges women face in leadership positions, including balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

Nooyi has often shared her own experiences with stress and the toll it can take on one’s mental health. She has underscored the importance of self-care and the need for executives to prioritize their well-being, advocating for a more human approach to leadership. Her candid discussions have not only brought attention to the issue, but have also encouraged other leaders to speak out and address their own mental health challenges.

By leading by example, these are just two executives who are setting a precedent for others to follow. Transparency in leadership is essential for destigmatizing mental health. Their advocacy for mental health awareness and self-care reminds us that even at the highest levels of success, taking care of one’s mental health is crucial. Their contributions are helping to build a more supportive and understanding workplace where mental health is given the attention it deserves.

Building Better Businesses and Lives

Investing in mental health is a necessity. In today’s fast-paced work environment, taking care of our employees’ mental well-being is essential for sustained success. We can significantly impact our teams’ lives by creating a supportive culture, addressing stressors head-on, and leading with empathy.

Let’s prioritize mental health and watch our workplaces become more vibrant, productive, and harmonious. When we prioritize mental health, we’re building better businesses and better lives.

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