Today’s managers are juggling more than just productivity—they’re tasked with keeping their teams engaged, supported, and mentally healthy in a world that’s changing fast. With remote and hybrid work on the rise, the pressure to perform and care for employees’ mental wellbeing has never been greater. Gallup’s 2023 report paints a concerning picture: 1 in 5 employees grapple with feelings of loneliness, anger, or sadness, while 40% are overwhelmed by stress. But here’s the kicker—managers are in the same boat. If we want to tackle the mental health crisis, it starts with one bold move: prioritizing the engagement and wellbeing of those at the helm.
Positive Impact
Gallup’s extensive research on manager engagement paints a sobering picture. Only three in 10 managers globally are actively engaged in their roles, a stark contrast to the positive impact engagement has on teams. Engaged managers, as studies show, are the ones who inspire their teams to deliver higher quality work, maintain a positive emotional outlook, and thrive in both their professional and personal lives. Conversely, disengaged managers lead teams that experience lower productivity, heightened stress, and a general sense of dissatisfaction. This disconnect between leadership and employees is not just a performance issue—it’s a mental health crisis.
Managers are uniquely positioned to understand the individual needs of their team members. They know what drives their employees, what challenges they face, and how they prefer to work. Yet, despite this advantage, many managers are overwhelmed and underprepared for the responsibility of supporting their teams’ wellbeing. The demands of their own roles, often characterized by a heavy load of administrative tasks and performance monitoring, leave little room for the crucial coaching and emotional support their teams need. In fact, studies reveal that managers report feeling just as much—if not more—stress, loneliness, and dissatisfaction as the employees they supervise, creating a vicious cycle of burnout that spreads throughout the organization.
To break this cycle, companies must prioritize the engagement of their managers. Engaged managers don’t just improve workplace morale—they drive employee success. Gallup’s research shows that countries with higher rates of engaged managers also have more engaged employees, underscoring the powerful link between leadership and overall workforce wellbeing. But achieving this engagement requires a shift in how organizations view and treat their managers. Instead of focusing on administrative duties and short-term goals, companies need to cultivate managers who are skilled coaches, capable of providing ongoing feedback, setting clear goals, and fostering meaningful relationships with their teams.
Successful organizations understand that investing in their managers is investing in the entire workforce. These companies place a strong emphasis on selecting and developing managers with the emotional intelligence and coaching ability to support and engage their teams. By shifting the focus from traditional managerial tasks to ongoing development conversations, managers can better address the unique needs of their employees, creating a culture of mutual trust and support.
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Moreover, top-performing organizations understand that wellbeing isn’t a one-time initiative but a continuous commitment. They integrate mental health resources, flexible work options, and developmental opportunities throughout the employee lifecycle—from recruitment to performance management. This holistic approach ensures that both managers and employees have the tools they need to thrive, mentally and professionally.
Ultimately, if companies want to improve the wellbeing and engagement of their workforce, they must first focus on the wellbeing of their managers. Managers are the catalyst for positive change in any organization. By supporting them, ensuring they are engaged in their work, and equipping them with the tools to support their teams, companies can build a resilient workforce ready to meet the challenges of the modern workplace. The key to employee wellbeing begins with manager wellbeing—because a healthy, engaged manager fosters a healthy, engaged team.
