Affinity Health at Work have been working with the InsideOut LeaderBoard to explore the specific practice of senior leadership disclosure to understand its impact and how this affects individuals and organisations. The InsideOut LeaderBoard is a charity registered in England, which operates with a mission of ending the stigma of mental ill-health in the workplace by creating a ripple effect of senior leaders who are willing to speak out about their own lived experience.

The stigma of experiencing mental ill-health continues to have negative impacts for individuals and organisations. It delays seeking help and can exacerbate problems. Disclosure of lived experience of mental ill-health by others is an evidence-based approach to reducing stigma. This has been encouraged in workplaces in a variety of ways including encouraging senior leaders to role model this behaviour and share their own experiences of mental ill-health.

Taking an evidence-based approach, we have reviewed existing research on senior leadership disclosure and related topics, and interviewed a group of senior leaders who are members of the InsideOut LeaderBoard to explore their experience. This research has produced fresh insights into the outcomes of senior leader disclosure and practical recommendations on how this can be best supported and utilised in the workplace.

The results of this research will published at the end of March, so watch this space for further detail! For now, we would like to say a massive thank you to all of the leaders who contributed their valuable perspectives and reflections, it was a real privilege to share in your stories.