When we talk about mental health at work, the spotlight often lands on employees – the ones juggling deadlines, meetings and inboxes. But what about the leaders?
Behind many thriving teams are business owners, directors and managers quietly running on empty, pushing through stress, masking fatigue, and ignoring the early warning signs of burnout in the name of just getting on with it.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re turning the spotlight back onto those steering the ship. Because the wellbeing of a team often mirrors the wellbeing of its leader.
Burnout at the top: the hidden cost
Leadership burnout doesn’t always come with sirens and red flags. It creeps in slowly. It hides behind productivity and performance.
And it often shows up as:
- Constant decision fatigue
- Struggling to switch off, even outside work hours
- Feeling emotionally detached or frequently overwhelmed
- A short temper or a low tolerance for stress
- A sense of simply getting through the day
Sound familiar?
Left unchecked, this kind of burnout doesn’t just affect you. It impacts your whole organisation. Culture becomes reactive. Motivation dips. Innovation dries up.
Because when leaders are just surviving, they can’t lead with vision.
A new narrative for leadership
Being a strong leader today isn’t about always having the answers. It’s about modelling balance, boundaries and wellbeing, even when it’s uncomfortable to do so.
Why? Because prioritising your mental health isn’t selfish. It’s strategic.
When leaders invest in their own wellbeing, the ripple effects are powerful:
- It builds trust and psychological safety in your team
- It normalises healthy boundaries across the business
- It helps you lead with clarity, calm and compassion
- It reduces long-term stress and supports retention
From burnout to balance: three shifts that make a difference
Want to lead differently? Here are three powerful ways to start:
1. Schedule white space in your week
Block out time for reflection, creativity or simply to breathe. Time to be rather than just do. Busyness isn’t a badge of honour, it’s often a warning sign.
2. Talk about the hard stuff
Share your story. Whether you’ve recovered from burnout or are still in the thick of it, your honesty creates space for others to speak up too.
3. Get support before you need it
Coaching, therapy, peer groups — leaders need safe spaces too. Don’t wait for a crisis to make your wellbeing a priority.
If you’re leading a team, a department or an entire business, your mental health matters. Not just for you, but for the people who rely on your energy and clarity every day.
So this Mental Health Awareness Week, ask yourself:
Am I leading from a place of balance or burnout?
If the answer feels uncomfortable, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Let’s talk about how we can support you, your leadership team and your company culture. Because sustainable leadership starts with well-supported leaders.
From Burnout To Balance: Why leaders must prioritise mental health