Did you know that 76% of employees who feel valued by leadership report better mental well-being? Leadership influences more than project outcomes—it shapes lives. In today’s fast-paced world, mental health is no longer just a personal issue; it’s a collective responsibility. While wellness programs and flexible policies are becoming more common, leadership remains a key factor in shaping a healthy, resilient workplace. When leaders prioritise mental health, they create a culture of care that helps employees thrive.
Why leaders’ mental health matters
Research shows that contrary to popular belief, leaders are just as vulnerable to mental health challenges as their teams. Balancing demanding workloads, managing team dynamics, and shouldering organisational responsibilities can lead to burnout. This makes prioritising leaders’ mental health essential. When leaders actively manage their well-being, they positively influence team morale, productivity, and workplace culture. Conversely, when leaders experience burnout, their effectiveness declines, affecting their teams and reducing efficiency, strained relationships, and poor decision-making. Leaders set the tone for the organisation, and by prioritising their mental health, they create a ripple effect that improves team well-being and fosters a supportive, productive environment.
Practical strategies for leaders to manage well-being: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for mental health, but leaders can adopt practical strategies to protect their well-being. A key approach is resisting the urge to take on everything themselves. Navin Dhananjaya, Chief Solutions Officer, Merkle, says, “I carefully structure my workdays to stay focused and efficient. I check my emails only at the start and end of the day and prioritise tasks using the importance-versus-urgency matrix. This approach allows me to concentrate on what’s urgent and important while delegating the rest.” By setting boundaries and delegating tasks, leaders can prevent burnout while empowering their teams.
Physical health plays a crucial role in mental resilience. “Gym or yoga sessions three times a week help me reset mentally,” Navin shares. He also enjoys badminton to disconnect and re-energise. Prioritising exercise helps leaders manage stress. Engaging in personal passions outside work is equally important. “I attend arts, music, and dance events with my wife, and I use Merkle’s flexible leave policy to travel and reconnect with nature.” These activities help Navin recharge and nurture his mental well-being, setting a positive example for his team.
Fostering a culture of openness and support
Open communication is essential to creating a workplace where all employees feel heard, valued, and supported. Leaders can foster this by offering opportunities for everyone, regardless of position, to share ideas and ensure each voice is heard. As Navin emphasises, “At Merkle, we conduct regular skip-level connects to break down hierarchical barriers and encourage open discussions. These forums allow team members to engage directly with leadership, fostering collaboration and ensuring everyone feels seen and valued.”
Being accessible is also key. Navin shares, “I connect with younger team members over coffee breaks. It helps me gain fresh perspectives and build personal connections. I also encourage my team to take time off to spend with their families, showing them that their well-being matters as much as their work.” This fosters a culture of care and strengthens trust.
Additionally, providing opportunities for collaboration and enjoyment is vital in boosting morale. “Injecting creativity into the workplace is essential,” says Navin. “At Merkle, we host events like hackathons and GenAI Prompt Wars that promote bonding and help employees rediscover joy in their work.” By balancing professional development with fun, leaders drive individual fulfilment and collective success.
Building a sustainable, supportive workplace
Supportive leadership is most effective when paired with corporate policies that empower employees to prioritise their well-being while excelling at work. Merkle recognises that promoting employee well-being requires robust policies, and their commitment includes flexible work options, unlimited paid time off, and global wellness days. These initiatives not only support work-life balance but also emphasise mental health. Programmes like the ‘Every Mind Matters’ e-learning platform, ‘Mental Health First Aiders’, and Employee Assistance Programs provide essential resources and support.
In addition, Merkle strongly emphasises celebration to nurture a sense of belonging. Whether through festival celebrations, recognition programmes, or team dinners, these moments strengthen connections and foster collective spirit. By reducing mental health stigma and encouraging open dialogue, Merkle creates a culture where employees feel valued and empowered to prioritise their well-being.
A call to action for organisations and leaders everywhere
As organisations and leaders navigate an increasingly complex work environment, the responsibility to prioritise mental health should be shared. Leaders influence the culture and values of their teams and must adopt practices that support their well-being while fostering an environment of care. Organisations must also implement policies reinforcing this commitment—offering flexibility, resources, and programs to promote a healthy work-life balance. By working together, leaders and organisations can enhance individual resilience, drive collective success, and create a thriving workplace.
