By Peggy Shell (on Inc.com)
Our society is chest deep in a mental health crisis.
Far from being a unspoken issue of old, I believe that mental health is a business priority and that organizational leadership has an opportunity (or shall I say an obligation) to create healthy, positive company cultures that support employee wellbeing.
We spend at least one-third of our lives at work and research shows that our wellbeing at work is a major driver of our overall mental health. How we feel at work effects our engagement, motivation, attendance and productivity as an employee, impacting the bottom line, and we take it home with us, rippling out to our families, friends and communities.
To read more about how we can have more thriving businesses and communities, read this Inc.com article by Peggy Shell, Creative Alignments’ founder and CEO, on Why it’s Urgent to Create a Positive Workplace Culture to Support Mental Health.
See our quick “how to” summary below if you don’t have time:
How to Create a Positive Workplace Culture
- Build Trust from the Top Down
Recruit capable people and give them autonomy—minimize micromanagement and reduce unnecessary rules. When employees feel trusted, they feel empowered
- Lead with Empathy
Understand your team’s reality: Skip assumptions. Take time to ask, genuinely listen, and learn what drives your employees—and where they struggle.
- Model Vulnerability
Show you’re human: Share your own challenges or stress. This creates a psychologically safe environment—encouraging others to speak up and reducing stigma around mental health.
- Encourage Participation
Foster collaboration: Ask for ideas and solutions regularly. When employees feel their input matters, they’re more invested and engaged.
- Live Your Company Values
Walk the talk: Leaders must consistently model the organization’s values. Authentic behavior attracts individuals who share those values, strengthening the culture.
- Recognize the Power of Small Gestures
Make personal outreach a habit: A quick thank-you note or a casual check-in can significantly boost morale and reinforce positive culture
- Create Safe Spaces for All Voices
Ensure psychological safety: Employees should feel free to share feedback, worry out loud, or contribute ideas without fear of repercussion. Train managers to spot early signs like stress or withdrawal and equip them to hold compassionate, supportive conversations.
By leading with empathy, trust, and genuine inclusion—and by embedding mental health into everyday practices—business leaders and HR teams can drive both well-being and performance. These aren’t quick fixes but coordinated steps toward a thriving, sustainable workplace.
