International leadership advisor, facilitator, board member & change maker. Helping leaders & organizations thrive. Focussing on leadership development, organizational change, strategy & inclusive cultures at UN and EU.
Leadership and Mental Health in the Workplace: A Necessary Evolution In recent years, a significant shift has been observed in how we approach and discuss mental health issues within professional settings. Leaders are increasingly called upon to manage aspects of human life that were once confined to the private or therapeutic sphere, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and personal crises like divorce or loss. The World Health Organization identifies mental health challenges, including stress and anxiety, as major global health concerns projected to impact societal wellbeing through 2030. This trend is echoed locally by the National Health Profile, which shows a decline in mental wellness across various demographic groups. Younger workers entering the workforce are particularly vocal and aware of their mental health needs, setting new expectations for leadership and workplace culture. This generational shift underscores a broader transformation where mental health issues are no longer seen as taboos but as integral aspects of our professional lives. Leaders face a critical challenge: to adapt and foster workplace environments that not only comply with legal standards but also offer genuine support and flexibility. This involves recognizing the role of work in providing structure and meaning, especially during turbulent times. As mental health concerns become more prevalent in the workplace, leaders must actively participate in creating supportive and adaptable environments. This is not only vital for maintaining workforce productivity but also for enhancing the overall wellbeing of employees and leaders alike. The message is clear: modern leadership must evolve to accommodate the real and often painful human experiences that employees bring to work, enabling them to find both support and meaning in their professional lives. Thank you Johanne Grant, PhD from Novo Nordisk Foundation and Cecilie Demkjær Schultz Pedersen from LEAD - enter next level for making this clear in this important opinion piece in Børsen. #leadership #mentalhealth
Heading up Leadership and Development @Novo Nordisk Foundation. See me and my book on grantpsykologi.dk.
Mental health issues hold some of the biggest challenges to world health - and pain is painful, wether physical or mental. But we can endure quite a lot of pain as human beings, if we have a sound social support system in place. And our workplace is one of those potential support systems! Mental health issues are not just a matter for health professionals, but for all leaders and organizations. The very talented Cecilie Demkjær Schultz Pedersen and I wrote a bit about this in Børsen today, because: Do leaders really need to be psychologist these days..? (Read along if Danish is one of your languages;-)) https://lnkd.in/dcAzsY7S
