Peter Johnson

As we reflect on the past year, it’s clear that the landscape of workplace wellbeing has evolved significantly. At Platfform Wellbeing, we’ve focused on developing our offer to organisations, striving for a deeper understanding of how mental health and work intersect. The realisation that work plays a vital role in holding us in the world—grounding us, shaping our identity, and connecting us to a sense of purpose—has shaped much of our thinking and approach.

Compassionate Leadership and Organisational Health

One of the key insights from the past year is the importance of recognising the link between compassionate leadership and improved organisational health.

Leadership isn’t just about driving results; it’s about fostering an environment where people can thrive, both mentally and physically. Compassionate leadership creates space for individuals to feel supported, heard, and valued, leading to healthier organisations overall.

In many ways, mental health has often been treated in isolation, as if it exists independently from the culture, behaviours, and environment of the workplace. But the reality is that the workplace deeply impacts how individuals see themselves, how they manage stress, and how they function day to day. Recognising this intersection between environment and mental health has been pivotal in how we think about supporting teams.

Supporting Employees Through Distress: Changing the Paradigm

Traditionally, when employees experience distress, the tendency has been to signpost them out of the organisation, to refer them to external support systems or even exit strategies. While this may be well-meaning, it often misses an opportunity.

What if, instead of directing employees away, we sat with them in their distress? What if leaders and teams demonstrated that they “have their back” during difficult times?

By staying present and supporting employees through challenges, we foster a culture of trust, empathy, and resilience. This kind of compassionate response can transform the employee experience, making them feel more connected and valued, rather than isolated in their time of need.

The Importance of Compassionate Leadership Training

This raises an important question: as our careers progress and we take on management roles, when do we ever learn to lead with compassion? Many leaders find themselves in positions of authority without receiving adequate training in the interpersonal skills needed to support and manage people effectively.

Compassionate leadership isn’t just about being kind; it’s about understanding the emotional dynamics at play in a team and creating a psychologically safe space where people can be their best selves.

The Benefits of Compassionate Leadership: Energy, Productivity, and Success

The good news is that compassionate leadership is not only beneficial for the individual, but for the organisation as a whole. Leaders who create the time and space to reflect on these issues can lay the foundation for increased energy, productivity, and team happiness. In turn, this leads to greater success for the organisation. By embedding wellbeing into the fabric of the workplace, leaders don’t just manage people—they inspire them, enabling everyone to bring their best to work every day.

The past 12 months have taught us that mental health and work are deeply interconnected. Organisations that understand this and invest in compassionate leadership will not only see improvements in the wellbeing of their teams but also in the overall health and success of their businesses.

As we look forward, the challenge remains: how do we continue to evolve our approach to ensure that every individual feels supported, valued, and equipped to thrive in the workplace? The answer lies in the power of compassion.

Interested in this approach for your organisation?

Just get in touch and start the conversation with us.