Outcomes of Senior Leadership Disclosure of Mental Health Lived Experience

Speaking out on mental health and 'leading by example' is often easier said than done. For those who consider share their experience, the worries round vulnerability, stigma and being judged have historically often been justified. This report examines the research evidence on the outcomes of senior leader disclosure and shares novel findings from interviews conducted with senior leaders to understand their experience of speaking out.

Recommendations for senior leaders:

• Identify a supportive community of peers, both within and outside of your organisation who can support you, such as the InsideOut LeaderBoard
• Encourage your organisation to take a multi level approach so that your disclosure is a catalyst for change rather than a sole intervention
• Use your experience and your position to advocate for further resources to support mental health in your organisation

Recommendations for employers:

• Promote disclosure regularly and at all levels, providing assurance that consequences will be positive
• Create opportunities to talk about mental health and wellbeing in everyday discussions
• Look for opportunities to integrate consideration of mental health into inclusion efforts & provide a more holistic case for an inclusive organisational culture

Further research is vital to create a positive groundswell of change and to inform practical recommendations for organisations who wish to protect the mental health and wellbeing of their employees.

For more information about this research please contact us on hello@affinityhealthatwork.com