Executive burnout is an epidemic going out of control, and of huge concern in the corporate world, as top-performing leaders are expected to maintain a superhuman image while juggling an overwhelming workload. However, this pressure and unresolved psychological issues lead to hidden depression, which can ultimately be an unstoppable flow to these top executives withdrawing from the workplace or leaving the company altogether.
The tech and IT industries, in particular, are known for their fast-paced and high-stress environments. Executives in these fields are often expected to be innovative problem-solvers and decisive leaders, with little room for vulnerability or weakness. As a result, many executives feel compelled to hide their mental health struggles, fearing that seeking help would be perceived as a sign of weakness or inadequacy.
One study, conducted by the Harvard Business Review, found that nearly half of all executives have experienced symptoms of depression, and a significant percentage have experienced anxiety or burnout. The study also found that executives are less likely to seek help for their mental health struggles than the general population, due in part to the stigma associated with mental illness and the pressure to maintain a strong image in the workplace.
In order to address this issue, companies should consider implementing programs and policies that promote mental health and well-being among executives. This might include offering confidential counseling services, providing mental health education and resources, and encouraging open and honest communication about mental health in the workplace.
One possible solution is the implementation of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) which can provide employees with confidential counseling and support services, including therapy and mental health resources. EAPs can be beneficial for both employees and employers, as they can help employees address mental health concerns and improve overall productivity and job satisfaction.
Another key solution is the implementation of mindfulness and resilience training. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing can help executives manage stress and improve emotional regulation. Resilience training can help individuals better handle difficult situations and learn to bounce back from setbacks.
In addition, it’s also important for companies to provide a culture that encourages open communication and destigmatizes mental health issues. This could include creating an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns and where leaders model openness about their own experiences.
In conclusion, top-performing executives are often expected to maintain a superhuman image while juggling an overwhelming workload and unresolved psychological issues leading to hidden depression. Companies should consider implementing programs and policies that promote mental health and well-being among executives, such as Employee Assistance Programs, Mindfulness and Resilience Training, and fostering a culture that encourages open communication and destigmatizes mental health issues.
On an individual level, if your employee is of overarching importance to you (or it is you!), here at bespoketherapy.com we have a centre of excellence and specialisation that can conform rapidly to someone’s exact requirements, adapt a program around them that uses a combination of therapy and therapeutic approach from any discipline that will and have them on a path to a far, far better future much more quickly than any single alternative. In simple words using the best possible people and the best possible approaches tailored around a specific individual’s needs and constantly adjusting that to hit real goals, saving valuable time and avoiding the serious consequences of 2nd, 3rd and basic rate therapy.
Citations: Harvard Business Review, “Almost Half of Executives Have Experienced Symptoms of Depression”, https://hbr.org/2020/06/almost-half-of-executives-have-experienced-symptoms-of-depression
Forbes, “Mindfulness At Work: How To Create A More Resilient Workforce”, https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/09/01/mindfulness-at-work-how-to-create-a-more-resilient-workforce/?sh=7f8f0c2a7f5d
