Mental health has become one of the most pressing issues in today’s workplace. With the average person spending 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime, it’s crucial to consider how our work environment can impact our mental well-being—both positively and negatively. On this World Mental Health Day, whose theme this year focuses on mental health in the workplace, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on these effects.
While many companies invest in mental health programs and awareness campaigns, one key factor is often overlooked: the role senior leaders play in supporting the mental health of their junior employees. As a senior leader, this is something I think about often. I remember how, early in my career, the connections I made with senior leaders were essential to helping me feel a sense of belonging, fostering connection, and showing me the possibilities for my future growth.
The Importance of Connection
To explore this topic, we conducted a survey that examined the mental health experiences of employees across different levels of seniority in various industries from professional services, technology, skilled trades, service workers and the arts. As part of the survey, we included an exercise known as the “Treeman Activity,” which asked employees to reflect on their feelings about their work, their current work environment and their organization overall.
The results were eye-opening and showed a clear gap between how junior employees and senior leaders experience their workplace, particularly when it comes to mental health.
The Mental Health Struggles of Entry-Level Employees
Our survey of full- and part-time workers in Canada revealed that 35% of entry-level and junior employees are feeling desperate, exhausted, or emotionally overwhelmed. In comparison, only 15% of senior leaders report these same feelings. The farther up the corporate ladder you go, the less severe these mental health challenges become, suggesting that senior leaders are often insulated from the day-to-day struggles of entry-level employees.
Younger women, especially those under 35, are disproportionately affected by mental health challenges. Many of them report feeling emotionally drained, disconnected, and unsupported at work. This finding underscores the need for senior leaders to pay more attention to the unique challenges their junior female staff may be facing.
Disconnection at Work and Its Impact on Job Satisfaction
One of the most significant findings from our survey is the sense of disconnection felt by entry-level employees. While 26% of entry-level workers report feeling disconnected from their workplace, only 17% of senior leaders feel the same way. This gap in connection is mirrored in job satisfaction levels. A striking 23% of junior employees said they are dissatisfied or slightly satisfied with their jobs, compared to just 6% of senior leaders.
It’s not hard to imagine that feeling disconnected at work could have a significant impact on employees mental health, giving rise to feelings of isolation and stress. This cycle is particularly harmful to younger workers, who are already navigating the challenges of starting their careers, often in a hybrid work environment. With fewer in-person interactions, it’s harder to build lasting connections and gain a sense of optimism and clarity about their future possibilities.
How Connection Drives Empathy
Consider the popular TV show Undercover Boss. In each episode, a senior leader is disguised as an entry-level employee to better understand the challenges their workers face. By the end of the episode, the leader often has a revelation: they had no idea what their employees were going through. This moment of empathy leads to meaningful changes within the company, demonstrating how a deeper connection can lead to greater understanding and, ultimately, better conditions for employees.
Senior leaders who actively connect with their junior employees can foster the same level of empathy within their organizations. By taking the time to engage with entry-level and junior staff, leaders can gain valuable insight into the emotional challenges these employees face. This understanding is essential for developing policies and programs that truly support the mental well-being of the employees who are vital to the organization’s success.
Creative Ways Senior Leaders Can Support Mental Health Through Connection
So, how can senior leaders foster these connections and help support the mental health of their junior employees? Here are a few actionable strategies that we’ve tried to implement at Environics that have led to some success (with always more room to improve).
Encouraging Open Communication
Senior leaders should make it a point to regularly check in with entry-level employees. These check-ins don’t need to be formal or time-consuming—sometimes a simple conversation can make a big difference. Booking time in your calendar to proactively ask about employees’ well-being, not just their productivity, can be helpful to ensuring you get ahead of any issues that might arise.
Incorporating Mental Health Awareness into Leadership Development
Leadership development programs should prioritize emotional intelligence and mental health awareness. By equipping senior leaders with the skills to recognize the importance of mental health and cultivate empathy, organizations can create more supportive work environments. This training can also help leaders identify potential issues early on, addressing concerns before they escalate.
Encouraging Work-Life Balance and Flexibility
Senior leaders can lead by example when it comes to work-life balance, being open about the fact that balance has important benefits for people’s mental health. Encouraging employees to take time off, offering flexible working hours, and creating a culture that values balance can go a long way in improving the mental health of entry-level employees.
An Important Reminder
The mental health struggles faced by junior employees are real and cannot be ignored. Senior leaders are uniquely positioned to make a difference, but it requires a commitment to action. Building strong, empathetic connections with entry-level staff isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for creating a healthy, thriving workplace where everyone can succeed.
So, what can you do today? Start small: schedule a coffee chat with a junior team member, ask them how they’re really doing, and actively listen. Advocate for flexible work policies that genuinely support well-being, and make mental health awareness a cornerstone of your leadership development programs. Remember, your actions set the tone for your organization. By bridging the gap between leaders and junior employees, you have the power to create a workplace culture where every employee feels valued, supported, and connected.
On this World Mental Health Day, let’s all commit to building workplaces that prioritize not just productivity but the well-being of everyone who contributes to our shared success.
