Mind Matters: Retaining Employees through Mental Health Fitness

In our first Mind Matters blog, we explored how individuals can build mental fitness through daily practices like breathwork, gratitude journaling, and boundary setting. But mental fitness isn’t just an individual effort. It’s also deeply shaped by leadership and how they are retaining employees.

In fact, recent research shows that 69% of employees say their manager influences their mental health, which is on par with the impact of a spouse or partner. This means managers are not only responsible for performance and productivity, they also play a critical role in employee well-being and retention.

Why Managers Matter

When employees feel their job negatively impacts their mental health, more than half are actively looking for new work. On the other hand, employees who report positive mental health at work are far more likely to stay engaged and loyal. That makes manager involvement in mental fitness a leadership imperative.

Three Ways Managers Can Support Mental Fitness at Work

1. Role Clarity: Shed Light on Responsibilities

Unclear expectations are one of the biggest workplace stressors. Managers can reduce anxiety and boost confidence by:

• Setting measurable, realistic goals

• Scheduling regular alignment check-ins

• Encouraging open communication when responsibilities feel unclear

2. Feedback: Deliver Effective Guidance

Feedback doesn’t just improve performance, it also shapes how employees see themselves and handle stress. Effective feedback should:

• Be specific, balanced, and objective

• Recognize strengths as well as areas for improvement

• Reinforce clarity while holding employees accountable

3. Empathy: Model the Behavior

Empathy strengthens trust, communication, and teamwork. To practice it, managers can:

• Ask deeper, more intentional questions beyond “How are you?”

• Notice signs of stress before they escalate

• Demonstrate inclusion and adaptability through everyday actions

Leadership That Builds Resilience

Mental health may feel personal, but in the workplace it is also a leadership issue. Managers who lead with clarity, feedback, and empathy don’t just prevent burnout, they create cultures where employees feel supported, motivated, and committed to their work. 

Taking the Next Step on Retaining Employees

If you’re a leader, ask yourself:

• Do my employees know what’s expected of them?

• Am I giving feedback that helps them grow?

• How often do I show empathy in my daily interactions?

Small, consistent improvements in these areas can make a big difference. Just as individuals strengthen their mental fitness through daily practices, organizations can strengthen their cultures when managers lead with intention.

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