3 Ways Leaders Can Support Employee Mental Health Post-COVID

The Lasting Impact of COVID-19 on Employee Wellbeing

The COVID-19 pandemic has left deep emotional scars that continue to affect workplaces worldwide. Beyond physical health concerns, we're facing:

• Collective grief from lost loved ones, milestones, and routines
• Record levels of anxiety and depression (affecting 25-40% of workers weekly)
• Alarming burnout rates with 83% reporting emotional exhaustion
• Decreased workplace compassion (23% feel apathetic toward colleagues)
• Mental health crises (11% have considered suicide in past month)

Why Workplace Mental Health Matters Now More Than Ever

As organizations navigate hybrid work models, leaders have a unique opportunity to:

• Rebuild psychological safety
• Address pandemic-induced trauma
• Create healthier work cultures
• Reduce turnover (56% are job-searching)

3 Proven Strategies for Leaders to Support Employee Mental Health

1. Lead with Vulnerability and Authenticity

Effective post-pandemic leadership requires:

✔ Acknowledging shared struggles openly
✔ Expressing genuine gratitude for employee efforts
✔ Modeling healthy vulnerability by sharing personal challenges

"When leaders show strength through vulnerability, teams feel safe to be authentic."

2. Build a Culture of Compassionate Flexibility

Replace rigid policies with:

• Autonomy over work schedules
• Choice in work locations (remote/hybrid/office)
• Clear expectations with collaborative execution

Results:
✓ Reduced stress
✓ Increased loyalty
✓ Higher productivity

3. Invest in Proactive Mental Health Support

Top-performing companies provide:

Immediate Support:
- Counseling services
- Crisis hotlines
- Mental health days

Preventative Care:
- Mindfulness programs (like LinkedIn's 30-Day Challenge)
- Meditation apps (Wise@Work, Insight Timer)
- Resilience training workshops

Proven Impact:
◉ 50% reduction in "totally stressed" employees
◉ 2x increase in "calm and centered" workers

The Future of Work Starts with Mental Wellness

Organizations that prioritize psychological wellbeing will:

1. Attract top talent (56% are job-searching)
2. Boost engagement and productivity
3. Create sustainable work cultures

"By healing our workplaces, we can change the world from the inside out." - Scott Shute, LinkedIn's Head of Mindfulness

Next Steps:
- Assess your current mental health offerings
- Start small with one initiative
- Measure impact through employee feedback

About the Author:
Scott Shute is Head of Mindfulness at LinkedIn and author of The Full Body Yes. Learn more at www.scottshute.com