Wellbeing Starts at the Top – Why Leaders Matter More Than Ever
- Apr 14, 2025
- 4 min read
Dr. Adam Harrison is an international expert in personal and workplace well-being and kind leadership cultures. He is a former family physician, qualified attorney-at-law, company director, charity trustee, healthcare business advisor, award-winning life, leadership, and executive coach, organisational well-being and leadership trainer, and host of the 'Inspiring Women Leaders' podcast.
Those of you who read my previous Brainz article, ‘The Crucial Role of Personal Wellbeing in Effective Leadership’, will know I am keen to educate leaders and organisations on the symbiotic relationship between employee wellbeing and excellent leadership. This article looks at that topic from the opposite perspective, namely the importance of exceptional leadership for employee wellbeing.
Good leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering employee wellbeing, directly impacting job satisfaction, productivity, and overall workplace morale. A supportive and visionary leader not only drives business success, but also nurtures a work environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and mentally resilient. With increasing awareness of workplace mental health, businesses must recognise that strong leadership is not just about results – it’s about people and their wellbeing (Forbes).
How leadership shapes employee wellbeing
1. Creating a positive work culture
A company’s culture is heavily influenced by its leadership. Leaders who prioritise open communication, work-life harmony, and mental health awareness, help establish a positive and inclusive workplace. When employees feel psychologically safe, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive (Harvard Business Review – this is the premise of Google’s ‘Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute’.
2. Reducing workplace stress
Poor leadership often leads to unclear expectations, excessive workload, and a lack of support, all of which contribute to workplace stress and burnout. In contrast, strong leaders foster clarity, delegate effectively, and provide adequate resources to help employees manage their responsibilities efficiently. This approach significantly reduces stress levels and promotes mental wellbeing (American Psychological Association).
3. Encouraging professional growth
Employees thrive when they feel supported in their professional development. Leadership that emphasises learning opportunities, mentorship, and career progression contributes to greater job satisfaction and lower turnover rates. Investing in employee growth not only benefits individual workers, but all stakeholders, including clients and shareholders, which then strengthens the overall organisation (McKinsey & Company).
4. Building trust and transparency
A lack of trust in leadership can lead to disengagement and low morale. Transparent communication about company goals, expectations, and decisions, fosters trust between employees and management. When leaders practice open and honest communication and actively seek feedback, employees feel more valued and respected (Gallup).
The business impact of leadership on wellbeing
Higher employee retention
Workplaces with more empathetic and proactive leaders experience lower turnover rates. Employees who feel supported and valued are more likely to remain loyal to their employer, reducing the costs and disruptions associated with frequent staff changes (SHRM); conversely, incivility at work leads to employee resentment with consequent customer dissatisfaction, poor employee retention and erosion of the bottom line ('Incivility at Work', HBR, 2013).
Increased productivity and engagement
Healthy and happy employees are naturally more engaged in their work. When leadership prioritises employee wellbeing, businesses benefit from increased productivity, creativity, collaboration and profits. A motivated workforce drives innovation and contributes to long-term success (MIT Sloan Management Review).
Stronger employer brand
Companies that champion workplace wellbeing attract top talent. In today’s competitive job market, professionals seek employers who prioritise mental health, work-life harmony, and professional growth. Organisations with a strong leadership culture gain a reputation for being desirable workplaces, improving recruitment and employee satisfaction (World Economic Forum).
Best practices for leaders to promote wellbeing
1. Lead by example
Leaders who practice self-care, stress management, and work-life harmony set a positive example for their teams. Demonstrating healthy work habits encourages employees to do the same.
2. Foster open communication
Encouraging employees to share concerns without fear of judgment creates a culture of trust. Regular check-ins, anonymous feedback channels, and an open-door policy help ensure employees feel heard and supported.
3. Offer mental health support
Providing access to mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counselling services, individual and group coaching, and wellness initiatives, demonstrates a company’s commitment to employee wellbeing (National Institute for Mental Health).
4. Recognise and reward effort
Acknowledging employee contributions through recognition programs, bonuses, and promotions fosters motivation and job satisfaction. Feeling appreciated is a key component of workplace happiness.
Final thoughts: The leadership-wellbeing connection
Strong leadership is the foundation of employee wellbeing. By fostering a culture of trust, growth, and support, leaders can enhance workplace morale, reduce stress, and boost productivity. Organisations that invest in leadership development and wellbeing initiatives create sustainable, high-performing teams.
Call to action
If you want to build a thriving workplace culture, start by strengthening your approach to leadership. Encourage open communication, provide wellbeing support, and prioritise employee growth.
Are you ready to improve your employees’ wellbeing at work by elevating their leaders’ skills? Reach out to Dr Adam at dr.adamharrison@gmail.com, to discuss how his bespoke leadership development programmes enable employee health and wellness to be enhanced through effective leadership practices.
Read more from Dr. Adam Mark Harrison
Dr. Adam Mark Harrison, Leadership and Wellbeing Coach and Trainer
Dr. Adam Harrison is a leader in the fields of well-being, workplace bullying, and leadership. After experiencing burnout and being a target of workplace bullying as a junior doctor, the second stage of his career has nurtured a strong interest in coaching individuals affected by these challenges, for which he received an international award in 2024. To broaden his reach and deepen his impact, he has expanded his approach by creating and facilitating training events on topics such as personal and workplace well-being, workplace bullying, the benefits of kindness in the workplace, and 'How to be a Great Leader', in multiple countries around the globe. He is also enjoying more recent roles as a company director and trustee of a charity which aims to end adult bullying in New Zealand’s organisations.
