New leadership principle - 7 rules for health leadership

Particularly during the weeks of home office and in the context of social distaningc, it has become clear that health leadership is essential. Without managers who exemplify a healthy work culture, no company health measure will be effective. In addition to physical fitness, mental health plays an increasingly important role. Stress, overwork and burn-out have now become frequent – mental illness is one of the most common reasons for early retirement due to disability. On the other hand, many employees tend to show up for work despite illness. This behavior does not only have  a negative impact on both their own and their colleagues’ health, for example in the event of a flu or a severe cold, but also leaves economic traces. Studies show that the costs of so-called presenteeism far exceed the costs of sick leave – not least because of prolonged exhaustion, chronic complaints and infection of employees.

Health Leadership means:

1. value exemplary behaviour
2. appreciate the performance of each individual employee
3. establish flexible structures that promote creativity and self-efficacy, but also protect against overwork and self-exploitation
4. promote teamwork and avoid excessive demands, because pressure negatively affects performance in the work place
5. create a scope for action, for example in the form of self-determined work
6. create a positive team spirit and emphasize interdisciplinarity to promote a positive climate
7. work transparently, i.e. formulate goals and visions and allow employees to participate in the company’s activities.

Daniel Dettling is a lawyer, administrative and political scientist and futurologist. He heads the Institute for Futures Studies, based in Berlin. He is a columnist for Globality Health and writes regularly about megatrends and current topics.