The importance of policy in mental health support for women in leadership
- Amanda Lee
- Apr 27
- 4 min read
As the number of women in leadership continues to rise, the importance of mental health support through workplace policies becomes even more evident. Women in senior roles face unique pressures that often lead to burnout, stress, and mental health challenges. The 2023 Women in Leadership Report by the European Commission reveals that only 31% of senior positions in Europe are held by women, with mental health barriers still hindering their progress. Policies that promote flexibility and supportive leave are essential in helping women balance the demands of leadership roles while prioritising their well-being.
Flexible Work Policies: A lifeline for mental health
The balance between work and life demands is critical to mental health, especially for women in leadership. Flexibility in work schedules and the ability to take leave when necessary can help prevent the emotional toll that often accompanies high-stakes leadership roles. These policies allow women to step away from work to recharge and address personal responsibilities, ultimately enabling them to return to work more focused and healthier.
Women in leadership roles often juggle multiple responsibilities—managing high-stakes decisions at work, nurturing relationships at home, and caring for children or elderly parents. On top of these demands, hormonal changes can impact emotional well-being, adding another layer of complexity. Flexibility in work policies offers women the time needed to step away, not just to recharge, but to manage these personal and health-related challenges. This respite helps them to return to work more focused, resilient, and able to perform at their best, preventing burnout and creating long-term career growth.
Supportive Leave Policies: A critical component
In addition to flexible working hours, paid leave policies play a pivotal role in women’s mental health. Women often face physical and emotional challenges, whether due to maternity, personal illness, or caregiving responsibilities. When organisations fail to implement adequate leave policies, women are more likely to experience heightened stress, ultimately affecting their leadership effectiveness. By offering paid leave, companies not only create better mental health but also reduce the likelihood of burnout, enhancing overall productivity and leadership quality.
The need for a holistic approach
While individual policies are important, there is also a need for organisations to take a holistic approach to mental health. This includes training managers to identify and address mental health challenges, offering mental health days, and creating open lines of communication for women in leadership roles to discuss their needs. The European Commission suggests that such initiatives can contribute to a positive work culture where mental health is recognised as integral to leadership success.
Examples of positive change
Countries like Sweden and companies such as Siemen's Energy and Microsoft have successfully implemented policies that emphasise mental health support for women in leadership. These organisations offer flexible work hours, mental health resources, and strong support systems to help women manage the stresses of their roles. Their policies serve as benchmarks for other organisations aiming to create a healthier and more supportive environment for female leaders.
Global Best Practices: Empowering women through policy
Organisations and governments across the world are beginning to understand the importance of supporting women, both professionally and personally, through well-rounded policies that focus on mental health and leadership development.
New Zealand's Leadership Example – Jacinda Ardern
Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, has consistently prioritised mental health in her leadership style. Her message is clear: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
This quote reflects her commitment to both personal well-being and the well-being of her colleagues, especially women in leadership positions. She introduced policies in her government to allow for greater work-life balance, including generous paid parental leave and flexible working arrangements. Under her leadership, mental health services received significant funding, recognising the importance of mental health support at all levels of leadership.
Sweden’s Gender-Neutral Parental Leave
Sweden's progressive parental leave policy has been instrumental in promoting gender equality and enhancing family dynamics. Introduced in 1974, the policy initially provided paid leave for both parents, with a significant reform in 1995 that reserved a portion specifically for fathers. This "father's quota" aimed to encourage paternal involvement in early childcare, challenging traditional gender roles.
Sweden’s approach to gender-neutral parental leave has been transformative. This policy allows both parents, regardless of gender, to share equal responsibility in child-rearing with a total of 480 hours.
The Swedish model supports mental health by preventing women from shouldering the emotional and physical burdens of family life alone. With a significant portion of parental leave allocated to fathers, Swedish women can maintain a more balanced career trajectory while managing family responsibilities.
The Importance of Fathers taking parental leave
Research has consistently shown that when fathers take parental leave, there are substantial benefits for both the child and the parents. A study by the Institute for Evaluation of Labour Market and Education Policy (IFAU) found that fathers' involvement during early childhood positively impacts children's cognitive and emotional development. Children whose fathers took parental leave exhibited better school performance and social skills. ifau.se
Additionally, fathers who utilise parental leave often experience improved mental health. The Swedish policy has been associated with reduced stress levels and increased satisfaction in both personal and professional life for fathers. This holistic approach underscores the importance of shared caregiving responsibilities in supporting a balanced family life.Journal.fi+1Journal.fi+1
Real-Life Experiences
While specific quotes from fathers are not readily available in the provided sources, numerous qualitative studies have highlighted positive personal experiences. For instance, a study conducted by the University of Gothenburg found that fathers who took extended parental leave reported a deeper connection with their children and a more equitable distribution of domestic responsibilities. OpenEdition Journals
These findings suggest that the Swedish model not only benefits children's development but also contributes to more balanced and fulfilling family lives. By encouraging fathers to take parental leave, Sweden has set a global example of how policy can reshape societal norms and improve family well-being.
Building supportive policies for a stronger future
Creating and implementing policies that support mental health is not just a matter of enhancing employee well-being; it is a critical strategy for improving leadership effectiveness and company success. As the 2023 report highlights, only 31% of senior positions are held by women in Europe, and mental health remains a significant barrier to their career advancement. To change this statistic, organisations must take proactive steps to support women’s mental health through flexible and supportive leave policies. By doing so, they will not only create a more inclusive environment but also unlock the full potential of women leaders.
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