Research reveals managers have the biggest impact on mental health

Research has revealed that managers have more impact on our mental health than therapists and doctors.

UKG’s Mental Health at Work: Managers and Money report found that 69 per cent of people believe their manager has an impact on their mental health, equal to that of spouses. Meanwhile, doctors only influence 51 per cent, and therapists 41 per cent.

Pat Wadors, chief people officer at UKG, commented: “We talk a lot about mental health in terms of a medical diagnosis or burnout. While those are serious issues, the day-to-day stressors we live with – especially those caused by work – are what we should talk more about as leaders.

“Life isn’t all milk and honey, and when leaders open up about their own struggles, they acknowledge employees are not alone, and that it’s OK not to be OK. Authentic, vulnerable leadership is the key to creating belonging at work, and, in turn, the key to solving the mental health crisis in the workplace.”

Furthermore, 60 per cent of employees said their job was the biggest impactor on mental health, and 81 per cent would prioritise mental health at a position over higher pay.

These negative complications caused by work is even spilling over into our personal lives, with 71 per cent saying work impacts their home life. Another 43 per cent said they’re “often” or “always” exhausted, and 78 per cent said that stress caused by work has negative effects on their performance.

“The chronic anxiety that comes from working through one global crisis after another is wearing on employees,” said Dr Jarik Conrad, executive director of The Workforce Institute at UKG.

“Being overwhelmed consumes human energy and impacts retention, performance, innovation, and culture. Employers can be the anchor of stability for their people by giving them the support and resources they need — not just what we think they need.”

These issues should be addressed from the top to the bottom of the business. According to the report, managers are often the most stressed in the business. More discussion may also be necessary, as 38 per cent said they “rarely” or “never” discuss their workload with their manager.

Workplace Intelligence managing partner Dan Schawbel gave his opinion: “My top advice for companies when it comes to mental health: ‘Don’t leave your leaders behind.’

“Sometimes, it’s hard to muster compassion for the C-suite because they make good money, yet many fail to account for all the pressures they’re faced with, including being responsible for the wellbeing of sometimes thousands of employees. We’re all human, and, to lead well, you first need to put your own mask on before helping others.”

Ms Wadors offered some closing advice: “When we talk about mental health at work, we should be talking about belonging.

“Belonging is what feeds a healthy and productive workplace, and it empowers us to conserve mental energy for other pursuits, be it our personal passions, activities with our family and friends, or problem-solving at work. Authentic, vulnerable leadership is the key to creating belonging at work and, in turn, the elixir to solve the mental health crisis in the workplace.”

To read UKG’s full Mental Health at Work: Managers and Money report, click here.