How Can Leaders Champion Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace?

Mental health awareness is crucial, but what does it look like in action?

Mental health has never been more important than it is now. From financial stress to societal challenges, the mental wellbeing of employees is severely being impacted – across all ages and facets of life. Leaders today face a workforce under increasing pressure and burnout.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, Babble CEO, Matt Parker, shared his views with Business Reporter, exploring the relationship between promoting mental and physical health to create a better work environment.

Movement Matters

This year’s theme of movement highlights the power of physical activity. Exercising regularly has many benefits for both our bodies and minds. Examples include stress and mood regulation, a boost in energy and even an improvement in self-esteem. According to our Fit to Lead research, many leaders understand this connection between physical and mental wellbeing by prioritising fitness in their everyday lives.

Leading by Example

Regular physical activity should not be limited to the confines of our personal lives but promoted as a cornerstone of a healthy workplace. Leaders can champion movement by:

• Supporting participation in events that promote physical resilience – like the Babble Ride Across Britain
• Encouraging employees to take a walk during their lunch breaks
• Promoting initiatives such as the Bike2Work and Cycle2Work schemes

Action-Oriented Leadership

Mental health challenges are diverse and physical activity is only part of the solution. So, promoting wellness throughout your organisation requires a tailored approach. Here are some of the ways we create a supportive environment:

• Embracing transparency and open communication: Every week, leadership gauges employee happiness through our Happiness Score survey – which is, depending on the score, followed up with a call to review their feedback and create improvements where we can.
• Condensed workweeks: Our 9-day fortnight gives employees the time to prioritise their personal wellbeing on their Fridays off.
• Flexible work arrangements: This caters to employees’ individual needs and gives them a sense of agency at work.

Investing in Wellbeing is Investing in Success

Prioritising mental health isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s good business. By promoting movement, fostering transparency, and creating an inclusive culture, leaders can cultivate a thriving workforce where employees excel both personally and professionally.