Make Your Workday Work for Your Mental Health, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: Maintaining mental well-being in the workplace has become increasingly important as jobs grow more demanding and the work-life boundary continues to blur. While research shows the significant negative impacts of long-term stress and burnout, many employees struggle in silence without realizing changes are possible. This article provides practical strategies leaders can implement to proactively support mental health in their organizations. Drawing from psychological research, the tactics include scheduling regular breaks, enforcing boundaries between work and personal hours, promoting flexible schedules, fostering social connections, and emphasizing self-care. Real-world examples demonstrate how these evidence-backed approaches can reduce burnout, boost productivity, and improve employee satisfaction across different industries. By establishing mental wellness as a strategic priority and piloting tailored initiatives, leaders can empower their teams and optimize organizational performance through a comprehensive whole-person approach.