Study sheds light on mental health disclosure among workplace leaders

A new University of Windsor study seeks input from leaders who have experienced mental health challenges.

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When it comes to mental health in the workplace, most conversations focus on employees seeking support from their supervisors.

But what happens when the person in charge is the one struggling?

A new study from the University of Windsor aims to answer that question by exploring how leaders manage mental health challenges and whether they choose to disclose those experiences to their teams.

The research, led by Dr. Kyle Brykman, professor of management at the Odette School of Business, opened its screening survey Monday, Jan. 19 and will run for approximately four weeks.

The study targets leaders who supervise at least one employee and have faced mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression.

Participants will first complete a brief screening survey, which takes about five to 10 minutes and determines eligibility for the study. Those who qualify may be invited to take part in an interview lasting 30 to 60 minutes.

As a token of appreciation, interview participants will receive a $50 gift card.

Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the entire process.

“Leaders are human and, like everyone else, experience mental health challenges,” said Brykman.

“Yet societal expectations of leaders as strong, stable and resilient often stand in tension with the stigma surrounding mental health.”

Why It matters

“Mental health issues have surged in recent years, but research on leadership disclosure remains sparse,” said Brykman.

“While we know that employees frequently disclose mental health challenges upward (e.g., to supervisors or HR) to seek accommodations or support, there has been comparatively little attention to whether, how, and why leaders disclose downward to their direct reports and the consequences of doing so.”

According to Brykman, the study has both theoretical and practical aims. It advances research on leaders’ mental health and workplace disclosure by clarifying disclosure decisions and their effects, while also offering evidence‑based guidance for leaders and organizations.

“Our findings may help normalize leaders’ experiences with mental health challenges and offer clearer direction on how leaders can navigate mental health at work in thoughtful and effective ways,” said Brykman.

“We also hope to give voice to the lived experiences of leaders who have engaged in mental health disclosure at work.”

Who can participate

The study defines a leader as anyone in a formal supervisory role with at least one direct report.

Recruitment spans industries, sectors and demographics. Participants who complete the screening survey will receive a summary of the study’s findings within a year of interviews concluding.

The research has received clearance from the University of Windsor Research Ethics Board and is backed by a grant from the university’s vice-president of research and innovation.

Interested in participating?  Visit the study page for more information on how to register.

By Victor Romao

Courtesy: https://www.uwindsor.ca/news/2026-01-20/study-sheds-light-mental-health-disclosure-among-workplace-leaders