The past six months have been one of the most challenging periods of my life. I wasn’t the employee or teammate I aspired to be—and I wasn’t fooling anyone. My managers knew it. My team knew it. And, most importantly, I knew it.
My work weeks turned into a patchwork of vacation days, sick days, personal days, compassionate leave, unpaid time off, and days where focusing fully was nearly impossible. This juggling act became even harder as a member of the “sandwich generation,” balancing the care of young children, supporting aging parents, and navigating life far from extended family.
If you’ve ever tried to keep all the balls in the air during a crisis, you know how hard it is to maintain that balance. But even during these tough times, one constant shone through: the unwavering support of my work family.
My mother is now at peace, and I am finally turning a corner. Yet, this experience has underscored something we often overlook in workplace conversations—how critical it is for leaders to support their teams with trust, empathy, emotional intelligence, and an understanding of the personal challenges they face.
Having worked through personal challenges while trying to work, I’ve learned first-hand how essential it is for leaders to nurture emotional well-being.
Leadership in Crisis: What Today’s Employees Need
Life doesn’t stop when we clock in. For many employees, struggles with mental health, family demands, financial pressures, or external anxieties are part of their day-to-day reality. Leaders must recognize that the person showing up to work, whether in the office or on Zoom, carries these burdens even when they’re not visible.
Research from leading organizations, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the U.S. Surgeon General, highlights the rising prevalence of mental health issues in the workplace, underscoring the need for proactive leadership intervention. Additionally, the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work in America Survey confirms that psychological well-being is a top priority for workers.
Further supporting this, SHRM research shows that nearly half of U.S. employees (45%) feel their organizations should offer more mental health support.
Additional statistics reinforce this reality:
- Mental health issues in the workplace are on the rise. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 1 in 5 employees struggle with mental health concerns, impacting productivity and workplace engagement.
- Caregiving responsibilities affect a significant portion of the workforce. The AARP reports that more than 60% of caregivers are balancing employment with caregiving, often leading to stress and burnout.
- Interest in mental health training is skyrocketing. According to our findcourses 2024 Course Trends Report, there’s been a 220% increase in interest in mental health-related courses as organizations and leaders seek ways to better support their teams.
- Emotional intelligence is in demand. The same report found a 17% increase in interest in emotional intelligence courses, emphasizing the importance of skills that help leaders connect on a deeper level with their employees.
These challenges underscore why today’s leaders need more than technical expertise. They must cultivate empathy, emotional intelligence, and mental health awareness to build supportive workplaces.
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Be the Leader Your Team Needs
As a leader, you often see only the calm exterior that your employees present. Beneath the surface, however, many may be struggling to stay afloat.
Leadership today means supporting employees through crises and encouraging open conversations about mental health. It’s about understanding the individual and building trust to help them navigate challenges.
I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of understanding the whole person behind the job. The time taken to understand your employees is time well-spent. According to McKinsey studies, companies that prioritize their employees’ mental health achieve higher productivity and profitability than others do.
Here are a few ways to get started:
- Invest in Emotional Intelligence Training. Learn how to recognize the signs of stress and support employees through difficult times.
- Normalize Mental Health Conversations. Make your workplace a safe space where employees feel comfortable discussing personal challenges.
- Provide Flexible Support. Offer resources such as counseling, flexible schedules, or paid leave options to help employees navigate tough times.
Closing the Gap
Leadership isn’t just about managing tasks; it’s about supporting people through both challenges and triumphs. In times of crisis, your team needs more than direction—they need your empathy, trust, and understanding.
If you’re questioning whether you’re the kind of leader your team needs in a crisis, now is the time to act. Begin by adopting a holistic approach to well-being and prioritizing actions that meet your employees' needs. By creating a safe and supportive environment, you’ll not only foster individual success but also drive lasting organizational growth
