When we talk about wellness at work, the focus tends to land squarely on employees. But wellness and leaders? It often gets left out of the equation.
Corporate wellness isn’t complete if the people at the top are burning out. Leaders aren’t immune to pressure—in fact, they’re often carrying the heaviest load. Supporting them is not just an act of care; it’s a strategy for organizational success.
That’s where S-O-S comes in:
Situation. Ourself. Support.
Three key areas to focus on if we want leaders to thrive—not just survive. By addressing these challenges, providing information on how to better maintain their health and by building support, corporations can more effectively develop the overall wellness that they are striving for.
S – Situation: Understanding Leadership Stressors
Leadership challenges go beyond the day-to-day stressors most employees face. While leaders also juggle family life, long commutes, and digital overload, they shoulder added responsibilities:
Attracting and retaining top talent
Navigating constant change and uncertainty
Managing the overload of decisions and information
Protecting financial performance under pressure
The late Bill Wilkerson, a visionary leader and advocate for mental health in the workplace, played a crucial role in raising awareness about these issues. As the CEO of the Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health, he helped shape how we talk about mental health, especially wellness and leaders, in corporate Canada—and beyond.
He outlined ten sources of leadership stress that still resonate today:
Top Ten Leadership Stressors
Treadmill Syndrome – Feeling like there’s never enough time.
Strategy: Delegating more effectively and setting realistic goals helps reduce overwhelm.
Random interruptions – Endless phone calls, emails, and “quick questions” disrupt productivity.
Strategy: Time-blocking and boundary-setting can help leaders stay focused.
Pervasive uncertainty – Market shifts and organizational change create emotional strain.
Strategy: Leaders must learn to tolerate ambiguity and model calm.
Mistrust, unfairness, and vicious office politics – Dysfunctional dynamics sap morale.
Strategy: Leaders must confront, not avoid, tough conversations to foster a healthy environment.
No sense of direction in the company – Without a unifying vision, day-to-day decisions feel aimless.
Strategy: Leaders must reconnect their teams—and themselves—to purpose. According to Stephen Covey, management has a bottom-line focus – How can I best accomplish certain things while leadership has a top-line focus – What are the things that I want to accomplish. A company’s vision is not just an exercise to go through, but it is a picture that allows daily decisions to be measured against. When there is a sense of little direction in the company, a leader must work to bring the vision into clear focus.
Career and job ambiguity – Confusion about expectations leads to burnout.
Strategy: Clarifying responsibilities and linking them to the company’s mission brings focus.
No feedback – No news isn’t always good news.
Strategy: Constructive feedback—including 360-degree reviews—helps leaders grow and adapt. A 360-degree feedback process will help leaders identify any gaps between perception (what they think) and behaviour (what their team sees).
No appreciation – Leaders are expected to recognize others but rarely receive it themselves.
Strategy: Build a culture of appreciation. Everyone needs to feel valued. Dr. Clifton and The Gallup Organization discovered that 65% of employees received no recognition in their workplace in the last year. However, we know that regular recognition and praise increase workplace engagement, productivity, safety, retention, and customer satisfaction.
Lack of communications – Mixed messages can derail execution.
Strategy: Leaders must listen carefully and communicate with clarity and intention.
Lack of control – Even senior leaders can feel stuck.
Strategy: Focusing on what they can influence helps reclaim a sense of control.
O – Ourself: Wellness and Leaders Through Building Daily Resilience
Leaders get caught up in the situations that are stressful and often forget about the simple techniques that can be used to restore their body’s natural rhythm and decrease the negative effects that stress can have on them. Helping leaders learn these 5 quick tips below can ensure that a company preserves the wellness of their corporate leaders. The great thing about them is that they are fast and simple.
Quick Ways to Reset and Recharge
Deep Breathing
Stress tightens your breath and fogs your mind. Slowing down your breathing calms the nervous system and brings clarity.Deskercises
Gentle movement—neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, wrist curls—releases muscle tension and refreshes focus.Fuel Your Body
Don’t skip meals, water, or sunlight. These essentials support your stamina and mood throughout the day.Create a Safe Space
Surround yourself with elements that soothe—natural light, calming scents, or music that grounds you.Keep a Sense of Humour
Laughter is powerful. Leaders who model emotional intelligence and lightness help build resilient, connected teams.
S – Support: Staying Connected
Leadership can be isolating. The higher the position, the fewer places to safely vent or seek support. But isolation erodes wellness.
Connection is a powerful antidote.
Build peer support networks inside and outside the organization.
Encourage team-building not just for staff, but for yourself.
Schedule time to nurture personal relationships, even when the calendar is packed.
Support isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline.
Final Thoughts on Wellness and Leaders:
Leadership takes strength, but it also requires sustainability.
Using the S-O-S approach—Situation, Ourself, Support—leaders can protect their energy, lead with clarity, and create the kind of workplace where everyone thrives.
We must move away from expecting our leaders to “power through” stress and instead offer them the tools, space, and support they need. It’s time we put wellness and leaders into equation, where they belong.
Contact Beverly about hosting a mental health workshop for your teams on how to prevent burnout in the workplace and other mental health training. Discover tips to deal with stress and encourage positive stress management techniques!
If you have some strategies to share – comment on this posting!
Additional Postings:
Workplace Wellness: Moving From Health Promotion To A Healthy Organization
Increase Productivity And Reduce Stress With The S-O-S Principle
The Psychosocial Risk Factors and Employee Mental Health
Workplace Wellness: Help Your Teams Picture The Future