As we recognise World Mental Health Day 2024, this year's theme, "Mental Health at Work," strikes a particularly resonant chord for the members of the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) for South African Chapters and women leaders globally.
The workplace is where many of us spend a significant portion of our lives, and as second-stage women entrepreneurs and leaders, the stakes are often even higher. We're not just managing businesses; we're steering organisations, providing livelihoods, and balancing personal and professional responsibilities, all while striving to maintain our well-being.
However, in our pursuit of excellence, mental health is often the silent casualty. This World Mental Health Day presents a timely reminder that mental health in the workplace is not just an HR topic but a leadership imperative.
Why Mental Health in the Workplace Matters
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. Mental health issues, including burnout, stress, and anxiety, affect not only individual well-being but also organisational performance. Yet, despite its importance, mental health is often overlooked, particularly in high-pressure environments like entrepreneurship and executive leadership.
For women entrepreneurs, the stakes are often even higher. A recent study revealed that 48% of women entrepreneurs experience high levels of stress compared to 38% of men in similar roles . Factors like gender bias, societal expectations, and the added pressures of balancing family responsibilities contribute to this increased mental load. As women leaders, we face unique challenges that require us to prioritise mental health—not just for ourselves, but for our teams.
The Mental Health Challenge for Women Entrepreneurs
At WPO, we know that the life of a second-stage woman entrepreneur is demanding. The relentless drive to scale our businesses while managing complex organisational dynamics often comes at a personal cost. It’s not just about the hours spent at work—it’s the mental load of decision-making, planning, and innovation that adds up.
According to a study by the Kauffman Foundation, 72% of entrepreneurs report mental health concerns. Depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders are prevalent, yet many women leaders continue to push through these challenges in silence, fearing the stigma or being seen as less capable.
For many women entrepreneurs, the pressure to "do it all" is exacerbated by societal expectations and self-imposed standards of success. We want to be both excellent leaders and present family members. As a result, we often sacrifice our own mental health to meet the needs of our businesses and families, forgetting that we can’t pour from an empty cup.
Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace
As leaders, we are uniquely positioned to foster environments that prioritise mental well-being—not just for ourselves, but for the people we lead. A mentally healthy workplace is a more productive, innovative, and sustainable workplace. According to the American Psychological Association, companies that prioritise mental health experience a 13% increase in employee productivity .
Here are a few ways we can make mental health a leadership priority:
Lead by Example: As women leaders, we set the tone for our organisations. By openly discussing mental health and sharing our own challenges, we can break down the stigma and encourage others to seek help when needed. Vulnerability in leadership is powerful.
Implement Mental Health Policies: Consider offering flexible working hours, mental health days, or access to counselling services. These small changes can have a big impact on the well-being of your team and the overall culture of your organisation.
Promote a Culture of Work-Life Balance: Many women leaders know the feeling of "always being on." Encourage a work culture that respects personal time. This could mean implementing policies that discourage after-hours emails or encouraging time off for mental health.
Training and Awareness: Equip your team with the tools they need to recognise and address mental health issues. Offering mental health training can help employees recognise when they or others need support.
Self-Care is a Leadership Strategy: As a woman entrepreneur, self-care isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. Whether it's taking a mental health day, setting boundaries, or making time for mindfulness, prioritise your well-being. As leaders, our mental health directly impacts the success of our businesses.
Moving Forward as Women Leaders
This World Mental Health Day, let’s not just raise awareness—let’s take action. As women entrepreneurs and leaders, we must recognise that mental health is integral to the success of our organisations and our personal lives. By fostering a mentally healthy workplace, we not only improve the well-being of our teams but also enhance our own leadership capacity.
At WPO, our members have long exemplified resilience, strength, and innovation. But true leadership means knowing when to prioritize mental health, both for ourselves and for those we lead.
Together, we can redefine success to include not just business achievements but also well-being and balance.
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Statistic/fact references:
World Health Organization. "Mental health in the workplace." 2023. Available at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-and-work.
American Psychological Association. "Stress in America: Paying with our Health." 2023. Available at https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2019/stress-snapshot.
Kauffman Foundation. "Women Entrepreneurs and Mental Health: The Silent Struggles." 2022.
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