Mindful Employer Canada’s Post

Here's some stats on workplace stress for you: ➡ 41% of employees, including leaders, report high work stress. ➡ 25% of leaders feel burned out often or always, and 66% experience burnout at least sometimes. ➡ Managers account for 70% of the variance in team engagement. ➡ Poor management increases employee stress by nearly 60% What does this tell us? If your initial thought was "we need our leaders to step up and to do better for us", than you're only half right. We do need our leaders to do better...but to do better at prioritizing themselves. This might sound counterintuitive, but let me explain. If the leaders that work within our organizations are not taking care of themselves and making themselves a priority, how can they possibly show up at their best, and responsibly take care of anyone else reporting to them? Role modeling self-care starts at the top of the organization. So really, it is irresponsible for leaders to not take care of themselves, for us. Coaching offers great frameworks for reducing stress, improving relationships, enhancing engagement, and cultivating a positive environment that we all can thrive in. #leadershipwellness #selfcare #leadership #boldmoves #wellness Source: Gallup, Inc. state-of-the-global-workplace-2024

Why Leaders Shouldn’t Reward the Loudest Voice in the Room? Have you ever witnessed how unhealthy competition at work can impact team dynamics and morale? Let’s talk about how promoting fairness and collaboration can make a real difference in workplace culture. As leaders, it's important to recognize how damaging workplace toxicity can be for mental health and productivity. Instead of rewarding those who try to get ahead by tearing others down, we should ensure every voice is heard and respected. When we prioritize fairness and listen to both sides, we create an environment where everyone can thrive, leading to real success. Let’s build a culture that values collaboration, integrity, and respect over competition. 👥 #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #MentalHealthMatters #FairnessAtWork #HealthyWorkplace #Teamwork #teamworkmatters

Dysfunctional leadership can severely undermine an organisation, resulting in low morale, disengagement, and persistent stress among employees, which may lead to serious health issues and diminished performance across the board. Ineffectual or toxic leaders often fail to offer the necessary support, direction, or recognition, leaving employees feeling undervalued and disconnected. This toxic environment perpetuates poor outcomes, such as reduced productivity and high staff turnover, creating a damaging cycle that affects both individuals and the organisation as a whole. Effective leadership is essential for cultivating a healthy and productive workplace. #leadership #teamwork #workload #supportemployee #healthyworkplace

In a world where toxic cultures can easily take root, the best leaders act as shields 🛡️, protecting their teams from stressors that can undermine morale and productivity. 🚫 False urgencies, bureaucracy, drama, and office politics have no place in a thriving workplace. The strongest leaders set realistic deadlines, prioritize meaningful work, and push back against overwork and micromanagement. By doing this, they create an environment where teams can excel without fear of burnout. 🌱 Let’s be the leaders who lift our teams up and provide shelter from toxic work culture. Together, we can create workplaces where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. 💪 What actions have you found most effective in fostering a positive workplace? Share your thoughts! 💬 #Leadership #Teamwork #WorkCulture #EmployeeWellbeing #Management #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceWellness

☘️How can a leader connect with his/her subordinates/employees to encourage productivity through emotional intelligence? There are little things a leader can do to win the trust of his/her employees and these can encourage them to put in their best at work. Here are three emotional intelligence tips for a leader to use to improve productivity in an organization: 📌 Active Listening: You can connect with your subordinates/employees by actively listening to their concerns, ideas, and feedback. When you show them that you care about their experiences and emotions, they will feel valued and will put in their best for the growth of the organization. 📌Recognition: Do well to regularly acknowledge and appreciate employees' efforts and achievements. Recognition can come in the form of verbal praise, written notes, or public acknowledgment during meetings. This boosts morale and enhances overall productivity. 📌Encourage Work-Life Balance: You should understand and support employees' need for a healthy work-life balance. Encourage them to take breaks, when needed and manage their workloads effectively. This can reduce stress and burnout, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity. #emotionalintelligence #productivity #leadership

3 Things Leaders Can Pour Into—Not Drain From—Employees Great leaders know their role isn’t to extract everything they can from their teams but to invest in them, ensuring they thrive. Here are three ways to pour into your employees: 1️⃣ Clarity Over Chaos Ambiguity breeds frustration. Offer clear goals, expectations, and transparent communication. Employees who understand their “why” are more engaged and motivated. 2️⃣ Recognition Over Criticism Celebrate wins—big and small. Recognition boosts morale and reinforces positive behavior, while constant critique drains confidence and creativity. 3️⃣ Flexibility Over Rigidity Rigid policies can stifle employees’ well-being. Flexible work arrangements, understanding life challenges, and prioritizing mental health create a culture of trust and loyalty. When leaders give more than they take, teams become energized, creative, and resilient. What are you pouring into your people today? #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #EmployeeEngagement #mentalhealth

Workplace culture is crucial for the happiness, productivity, and career growth of employees. Quality leadership plays a significant role in shaping a positive work environment. Unfortunately, negative leaders can foster toxic cultures through harmful practices, resulting in low morale, stress, and mental health issues for employees. I have had the privilege of working under exceptional leaders who excel in people management. Conversely, I have also witnessed top managers who lack the skills to support their teams effectively. Instead of fostering a supportive environment, these leaders rely on fear and dominance to achieve results, creating a challenging atmosphere for employees. #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #EmployeeWellbeing

No one wants to work for a tired, grumpy, or stressed manager. When leaders are overwhelmed, that energy goes through the team, and can create a really tense and unproductive environment. A manager who is constantly exhausted or frustrated can easily drain morale, and increase stress levels in their team. Leaders set the tone for the workplace, and when they’re burned out, it’s hard for employees to feel motivated or supported. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Managers can turn this around by prioritising their own self-care. Taking time for rest, personal growth, and stress management isn’t just beneficial for their wellbeing—it’s the key for creating a positive and thriving work environment. Massive thanks to George Stern for reminding us of '15 Musts to Be a Great Manager'. I think that kindness, humility and balance needs to be at the heart of our work in education. #Wellbeing #Leadership #Management #Culture #Education I'd invite you to comment, like, share and connect for more posts on workplace culture, high performance, leadership and wellbeing.

#phsychologicalsafetymatters Investing in psychological safety is investing in your school/organization's future. Contact us today if you’re ready to learn how to build a psychologically safe workplace. #internationaleducation #edchat #wellbeing #organizationaldevelopment #safespace #resiliance #hr #schoolleaders

Loyalty or Toxicity? A Candid Reflection on Corporate Culture In many corporate environments, there exists a troubling dichotomy between loyalty and toxicity. Employees often feel pressured to work even when unwell, pushing through their personal limits to meet organizational goals. Meanwhile, managers and senior leaders frequently neglect their own well-being, sacrificing vacations and breaks in the name of productivity. This relentless drive can foster a culture of overwork, where the organization shows little mercy for those who struggle to deliver, despite their best efforts. Lessons for Workaholics: 1. Your health is paramount. No job is worth risking your well-being. 2. Recognize the signs of burnout and take necessary breaks to recharge. Lessons for Leaders: 1. Appreciate and recognize your employees’ hard work. Celebrate their dedication. 2. Foster a culture that values well-being as much as results. A healthy team is a productive team. Let’s shift the narrative from one of relentless sacrifice to a more balanced approach where both personal and organizational goals can thrive together. #CorporateCulture #WorkLifeBalance #EmployeeWellbeing #Leadership #ToxicWorkplace #BurnoutPrevention #AppreciationMatters