The Unsung Heroes of Workplace Wellbeing: VIEWPOINT

Head of Wellbeing Services, Helen Hayes,  shares her viewpoint on why Line Managers could be the unsung heroes in transforming a workplace. 

Think back to your school days. Chances are, you can remember at least one incredible teacher – someone who made learning engaging, believed in you, and helped you grow. Equally, you probably recall a teacher who had the opposite effect – one who drained your confidence, made lessons stressful, or left you dreading their class. The impact of these individuals didn’t just shape your education; it shaped your experience, motivation, and even your mental wellbeing.

Fast forward to your career, and the same principle applies to line managers in the workplace. Just as teachers have the power to inspire or discourage students, line managers hold significant influence over an employee’s wellbeing, productivity and overall workplace experience. They are often the defining factor in whether someone thrives at work or dreads every Monday morning. 

How Line Managers Impact Employee Wellbeing

A supportive and empathetic line manager can transform the workplace into a space where employees feel valued, heard, and motivated. They encourage open conversations about mental health, provide guidance during difficult times (and are confident in knowing where their limits are ) and ensure workloads are manageable. Research consistently shows that employees with good managers experience lower stress levels, higher job satisfaction and better overall wellbeing. They also, by default, become living and breathing role models in areas such as work-life balance and stress management.  

Conversely, a poor line manager – like that one teacher who used to create fear in you or shout – can create an environment of stress, uncertainty and disengagement. A lack of support, micromanagement, or unrealistic expectations can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even increased sick leave. Just as a bad teacher can make learning feel impossible, a bad line manager can make work feel unbearable.

The Impact on Productivity and Engagement

Great teachers ignite curiosity and make students want to learn. 

Similarly, great line managers empower employees to do their best work. They provide clear expectations, constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.

Here’s the bottom line, employees who feel supported by their managers are:

• more engaged
• more willing to contribute ideas, and
• more likely to stay with a company long-term – that’s a huge tick for retention stats!

On the flip side, poor management stifles productivity. Employees working under uninspiring or overly critical managers often feel disengaged, hesitant to speak up and less inclined to go the extra mile. Much like how a disinterested teacher leads to disengaged students (often being perceived as the apparently ‘naughty’ kids), a disengaged manager leads to unmotivated employees.  There goes productivity down the drain.

Creating a Culture of Positive Leadership

Businesses that invest in developing strong line managers create healthier, happier, and more productive workforces. Line manager training, mentorship programs and fostering a culture of trust and recognition can transform managers into true leaders – ones who inspire rather than intimidate.  Everyone wants to work in an inspiring setting and be part of team with a great manager.  Better health and wellbeing, in my view, is a natural by-product of an inspiring workplace.

Just like that teacher who made a lasting impact on your education, a great line manager has the power to shape an employee’s entire career trajectory.

Personal experience and working in the health and wellbeing sector has shown me that workplace stress and burnout is still far too commonplace. 

If companies want engaged, motivated and productive employees, they must start by investing in the people who lead them. After all, just like in school, the right leader can make all the difference.

My final thought is this: I believe in the power of school teachers as much as I believe in the power of Line Managers – they could be the unsung heroes of workplace wellbeing. 

Apples all round. 

If you are interested in speaking to Helen about Line Manager Support you can contact her on [email protected] 

You can also read about GRIT’s Line Manager Programme HERE