In today’s fast-paced and demanding environment, the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace cannot be overstated. Executive leaders play a pivotal role in shaping company culture and setting the tone for how mental health is perceived and addressed within their organizations. Let’s explore actionable strategies you can implement to create a more mentally healthy and supportive workplace environment. 

1. Share Your Mental Health Journey and Lead by Example 

Sharing your experiences, both triumphs and losses, can be incredibly valuable. It reminds your employees and colleagues that you, too, are human and face similar daily struggles. Moreover, demonstrating that you prioritize your mental health can create a sense of psychological safety for employees, encouraging them to do the same. 

2. Take Time Off: It’s a Form of Succession Planning and Promotes Wellbeing 

Clients frequently approach me expressing feelings of burnout. One client mentioned he had forfeited three weeks of vacation time because he hadn’t used it. This serves as a reminder: take your vacation time—it’s provided for a reason. Returning to work with a fresh mindset is immensely beneficial to you and your team. Here’s why: 

  • Empowers Future Leaders: When you take time off, it creates opportunities for your team members to make decisions and lead projects. This hands-on experience is invaluable for their professional growth and development. For mental health: Empowering others fosters a sense of purpose and achievement, reducing stress and boosting confidence, which are essential for mental well-being. 
  • Fosters a Culture of Trust: Trusting your team to manage in your absence fosters a culture of trust and mutual respect. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and loyalty among employees. For mental health: Working in an environment of trust and respect lowers stress levels, improves emotional well-being, and enhances overall job satisfaction. 
  • Encourages a Healthy Work-Life Balance: By setting the example of taking time off, you promote a healthy work-life balance within your organization. This can lead to higher employee morale, reduced burnout, and improved overall productivity. For mental health: Encouraging a work-life balance helps prevent burnout, promotes relaxation and rejuvenation, and supports mental health by ensuring individuals have time to disconnect and recharge.  

If your vacation time is stacking up, consider taking time off in microdoses to get small breaks here and there. As an executive, you set the standard, and by taking time off, you encourage your employees to use their time off as well. 

3. Promote Deeper Relationships Through Routine One-on-One Meetings 

Ask questions beyond the standard “How are you doing?” This question often becomes a formality, so try to be creative to elicit insightful responses. Some examples include: 

  • Is there something you need help with at this moment? 
  • Did anything make you smile today and why? 
  • What’s been on your mind lately? 

Frequent meetings allow time to discuss issues beyond work. Challenge your managers to dig deeper than the routine “How are you doing?” Once feedback is gathered, it’s easier to assess the mental health status of the workplace and identify areas for improvement. This also gives organizations a chance to reevaluate policies and procedures to best support their employees. 

Building a positive work culture is a high priority. Let us continue to lead with compassion, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to prioritizing mental wellness for ourselves and our teams. Together, we can cultivate workplaces that foster not only professional success but also personal flourishing.