Managers Impact Employees’ Mental Health More Than Therapists And As Much As A Spouse or Partner
This statement came from an article I read recently based on extensive research by the Workforce Institute at UKG.
In fact, managers influence their people’s mental health more than both doctors and therapists. 60% of those surveyed said their job is the biggest factor influencing their mental health. And generally, for the worst. And more so for women.
Does that surprise you? Let me share some other research with you that has been ongoing for over eighty years.
I often ask leaders I am working with “how much of the likelihood of someone recovering from a mental health challenge is based on the treatment they receive?” The response is usually around 80%.
In actual fact, this model, based on eighty years of research and testing, shows the true answer.
40% of the likelihood of recovery is based on Community Support (family, friends, workplace, leaders).
30% is based on the sense of hope that they can get better. (influenced by the support the feel).
15% is based on the relationship with their primary carer (which influences their hope).
And only 15% is based on the type of treatment they receive.
So, up to 70% of the likelihood of your people overcoming a mental health issue can be positively influenced by your leaders, just creating a safe environment.
So, even though the recent UKG research shows a negative effect from managers’ influence, this can easily be turned around to where your people leaders can have a dramatically more positive influence.
Leaders don’t need to become counsellors or chaplains, or even offer ‘advice’ (in fact they should NEVER tell someone how to get better!) – they just need to create a safe space for everyone. And the rest can then happen.
But, like a team captain running onto the pitch, they need to know if someone is limping because it will affect the outcome of the game. They don’t become healers or physios, but they do need to be able to spot the signs.
This does require some skills and know-how. I can get them there. My program, ‘Can We Talk?’ does exactly that. Upskilling your leaders in what to look for and what to say/do, creating safety, spotting the signs, increasing empathy and deepening connection.
Please feel free to share this information with anyone you feel may benefit. And reach out for a confidential chat about how I can help.
https://calendly.com/markbutler1/30min
Let’s get your leaders up to speed.