As a leader, you've probably noticed the changes in your workplace over the past few years. Team dynamics have shifted, stress levels are up, and mental health challenges are no longer something that just happens outside the office. While many organisations have mental health policies in place, it's your day-to-day actions as a leader that really shape how comfortable your team feels about speaking up when they're struggling.

Why Your Response Matters

Your team is watching. How you talk about mental health, respond to someone having a tough day, or handle your own challenges sets the tone for your entire workplace. When you brush off stress as 'just part of the job' or power through illness, you're inadvertently telling your team that's what you expect from them too. But here's the thing: creating a mentally healthy workplace isn't about grand gestures - it's about small, consistent actions that show you genuinely care.

Common Leadership Pitfalls

Many leaders think they're approachable about mental health, but their actions tell a different story. Perhaps you have an open-door policy, but you're always rushing between meetings. Maybe you've introduced wellbeing initiatives, but you never take a proper lunch break yourself. Your high performers might be struggling silently, assuming they need to maintain a perfect facade. These mixed messages can prevent team members from speaking up until they're already burning out.

Practical Steps Forward

Start by making wellbeing a natural part of your regular check-ins. Instead of the usual "How are you?" try asking "What's challenging you right now?" or "What support do you need this week?" Schedule these conversations regularly, not just when someone seems to be struggling.

Create clear boundaries around work patterns and respect them yourself. If you need to work outside typical hours - perhaps due to different time zones - be clear with your team about expectations. Take proper breaks during your working hours, use your holiday time, and encourage your team to do the same. Remember: your actions as a leader set the unspoken standards for what's considered normal in your workplace.

Make mental health support visible and accessible. This might mean training mental health first aiders, offering flexible working arrangements, or ensuring your team knows how to access counselling services. Most importantly, talk about these resources regularly - not just during inductions or when someone's struggling.

Remember, creating lasting change doesn't require a complete leadership overhaul. Sometimes it's as simple as acknowledging that everyone faces mental health challenges, just like physical health challenges. By showing that it's okay to have tough days and ask for support, you create space for more honest conversations about mental health.

Ready to explore how you can better support mental health in your workplace? Let's talk about practical steps that work for your leadership style.