In today’s dynamic work environment, leadership extends far beyond operational oversight. It now includes the critical role of fostering a resilient, healthy, and supportive workplace where employees can thrive. The seminar on Integrating Mental Wellness in Leadership: Building Supportive and Resilient Workplaces aimed to equip institutional leaders with the necessary tools and insights to address mental wellness in the workplace. The seminar focused on strategies for navigating employee stress and misbehavior, implementing effective support and referral systems, and cultivating psychological safety to create a resilient and thriving organizational culture.
This initiative reflects the University of Baguio‘s ongoing commitment to sustainable performance, employee engagement, and sound institutional governance, ensuring that both leaders and their teams are supported and well-equipped for success.
Mental Wellness as a Core Leadership Priority
The core of the seminar was built around the understanding that effective leadership today requires more than just administrative skills; it involves actively promoting mental health and well-being in the workplace. Leaders play a pivotal role in setting the tone for a resilient work environment, one that prioritizes wellness and provides the support necessary for individuals to manage stress, overcome challenges, and maintain positive mental health. This responsibility is increasingly crucial as organizations strive to create workplaces that focus not only on performance but also on the well-being of their employees.
Alt Text: Dr. Ava Angeli Bustillo, RGC, giving a talk on mental health matters and how the institution could foster and encourage a proactive support and exchange in the community
The seminar emphasized that leaders should be equipped to recognize signs of stress or mental health challenges among their teams and should have systems in place to address these issues promptly. By fostering a culture of psychological safety, leaders can encourage open communication, trust, and proactive support, which are key to maintaining a resilient and productive workforce. The integration of mental wellness into leadership practices is essential for creating environments where employees feel valued, supported, and capable of performing at their best.
Engaging Leadership: A Collaborative Effort
The seminar was attended by 36 key institutional leaders, including University President Dr. Javier Herminio D. Bautista, three Vice Presidents, nine Deans and Principals, 18 Directors, and Execom Secretaries, all of whom actively engaged with the material. The rich discussions that followed the sessions reflected the depth of the University’s commitment to fostering a culture of mental wellness. Leaders raised critical questions, contributed ideas, and discussed practical approaches for integrating these principles into their teams. This involvement from senior leadership highlights the institution’s strong dedication to advancing well-being at every level of the organization.
The seminar provided immediate, practical skills for leaders to implement strategies such as employee support systems and referral pathways for mental health resources. The highlight of the session was the emphasis on promoting psychological safety and providing resilient leadership that models healthy work habits, resilience, and self-care. These strategies are designed to help leaders better handle stress-related challenges, improve conflict resolution, and support employees dealing with mental health challenges.
By equipping leaders with the tools to address mental wellness, the seminar helps enhance the University’s resilient leadership model, which is essential for the long-term sustainability and success of the institution. These efforts support the University’s broader mission to deliver high-quality education while ensuring that its leadership is equipped to foster a supportive environment for faculty, staff, and students alike.
Long-Term Benefits and Organizational Impact
The initiative strongly aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the University of Baguio’s commitment to sustainability, both in its organizational practices and in its support of employee wellness. The seminar directly supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, equipping leaders with the knowledge and skills to prioritize mental wellness, implement effective referral systems, and foster psychological safety within their teams. By promoting mental health as a core aspect of workplace culture, the seminar encourages an environment where employees are better able to manage stress and overcome barriers to success, ultimately enhancing overall organizational well-being.
The seminar further supports SDG 4: Quality Education by recognizing that leadership development is a critical component of professional capacity-building. As leaders become more resilient and well-supported in their own mental wellness, they are better positioned to support the faculty and staff responsible for delivering quality education. This holistic approach ensures that the individuals at the helm of educational institutions are not only leaders in their fields but also role models for creating resilient and thriving work environments.
Alt text: Snapshots from the Mental Wellness and Leadershipo Seminar
Additionally, the seminar contributes to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, reinforcing that resilient employees are more engaged, productive, and committed to their work. A healthy and supportive workplace enhances job satisfaction, improves retention, and drives performance, which directly contributes to long-term economic growth for the institution. Moreover, by ensuring equitable access to mental health support and intervention systems, the program also addresses SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, promoting fairness and inclusivity in the workplace. This reflects the University’s commitment to governance practices that value all employees and provide support when needed.
The focus on resilient leadership ensures that the University’s workforce remains engaged, productive, and committed to the institution’s goals, ultimately fostering a more just and inclusive society, in line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
This effort embodies the University of Baguio’s commitment to creating a resilient, healthy, and supportive work environment that prioritizes wellness and strengthens leadership. By ensuring that its leaders are equipped to support both themselves and their teams, the University is building a foundation for sustainable growth and success in the years to come.
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Written by: Bianca Celeste Baculi
Photographed by: Marianne Jivana Narciso
