Courageous Leaders Create Positive Workplaces - 2025

We know that careless working conditions can give rise to or exacerbate poor mental health, but a well-run, humanely managed working environment can do much to promote and protect our sense of wellbeing.

We know that psychosocial hazards such as a lack of autonomy, low recognition, excessive workloads, insufficient training, and poor management result in people becoming disengaged and feeling resentful which can lead to depression and eventual burnout. There are organisations that consider these outcomes as acceptable occupational hazards. This attitude is a symptom of inept leadership and devastating harm results from these unprofessional practices. There are many more effective and creative ways to improve productivity, increase competitiveness and boost morale.

Setting the tone

Intelligent workplaces provide the protective factors that reinforce wellbeing through the more humane approaches of a two-way communication system, social connection, support frameworks, shared purpose, meaningful work, generous pay, and skills development. These organisations prosper because they adopt the age-old virtues of goodwill, trust, fairness and collaboration which gives them a powerfully competitive advantage.

Vastly different outcomes will hinge on leadership attitude. Having trained hundreds of teams in mental health first aid and organisational culture across sectors and industries, we see how teams respond to leadership involvement in employee wellbeing initiatives. There is either a tremendously positive impact on organisational culture or a frustrated hopelessness.

Often those at the top are unaware that delegating employee wellbeing to others, results in a culture of doubt and distrust. No matter how many well-meaning policies, employee support programmes or initiatives are in place, unless leaders are vocal and present in their support, employees will not engage.

Left to the whims and vagaries of personalities and management styles, employee wellbeing can flounder in wildly dangerous terrain. Those in senior positions set the tone that underpins workplace culture and empower others to exercise a positive influence. The domino effect of setting an example is the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to protect the wellbeing and reputation of the entire enterprise.

Being present and consistent

Leaders need to be consistent in their support and show up to lead the direction of travel. Demonstrating that they can relate to and acknowledge the struggles people face will have a profound impact on morale. Collaborating with people who are relatable offers priceless benefits to all concerned

Promoting the use of employee support programmes will help people feel psychologically safe enough to use these expensive and valuable resources. As a result they will feel more confident and connected and able to put their best selves forward. The effects of compassionate leadership are evident in a workforce that feels a sense of belonging. This translates as a focus on shared values and goals and a willingness to disclose and self-manage any personal challenges.

Vacuums and circuses

When senior leadership is too far removed, it is ineffectual in terms of imbuing a healthy workplace culture and this leaves a vacuum that middle managers are expected to fill, often without the tools, authority, or faith of employees. Tick-the box procedures are like a clown’s mask that ineptly hides insincerity, insecurity, and false promise. Healthy workplaces rely on a genuine relational element being present.

Proactively led organisations have stress prevention measures in place, they up-skills people managers, train mental health first aiders, ensure appropriate staffing, and assigning workloads to suit conditions. They also offer some flexibility, afford reasonable adjustments and are genuinely responsive to feedback. These organisations encourage people to communicate and use their initiative because they understand the value of it.

Human dynamics

Having a leader that is a positive role model will promote human thriving, and they themselves will benefit from colleagues that are truly behind them, rooting for and protecting them in turn. No business strategy or policy can make this happen. It relies on the character of those in charge and in their taking a courageous leap of faith. In leadership, like all human disciplines, it is the invariably the spirit of the thing that counts.

Written by MHScot Team Member, Sonia Last.