C-Suite executives have been adversely affected by the pandemic, lockdowns and subsequent business pressures and are suffering an epidemic of stress and burnout. There are considerable risks to ignoring this issue or just hoping it will go away. The evidence is that it is getting worse with 70% of executives considering leaving to go to a company that takes their wellbeing seriously. There is a strong business case for investing in senior executives wellbeing but a holistic approach that encompasses physical wellbeing, mental and emotional health is needed.

1. Are we forgetting our
senior executives’
wellbeing?
Presented to: Chair X Network
21st July 2022

2. The evidence
• Deloitte report – 70% or C-Suite executives considering leaving
their job for one that better supports their wellbeing
• Nearly 75% of C-Suite executives are experiencing stress and
burnout (mid-level 55%, first level 45%)
• The extra strain from new concerns, such as managing remote
teams and addressing the physical and mental health
ramifications of the Covid crisis on employees. 46% of HR
directors polled in early 2021 reported that managers and
directors were leaving their firms at a faster rate than entry-level
employees.

3. The challenges
• People at C-Suite level more prone to issues with mental health. 53% of executives are
struggling with mental health issues, compared to 45% in the wider workforce.
• C-Level leaders have risen through the ranks because of inspirational leadership and
high motivation levels, visionary qualities and very hard work, to the detriment of
their own personal lives.
• Burnout can manifest itself in a C-Suite executive in chronic fatigue, abnormal levels
of self-criticism, and behaviour that is contrary to personal leadership ideals High
alcohol intake, sleep deprivation, poor diet or loss of appetite, these are also signs of
burnout and high levels of stress.
• Because they are highly motivated, they will be particularly receptive to any advice
about improving productivity and productivity hacks which look like easy solutions.
• Long hours and being busy are often seen as a badge of honour or just what comes
with the territory.

4. What will it cost if you
do nothing?
• Ill health at C-Suite level is so much greater because of
the extent of their influence and contribution
• Cost of mistakes, delayed decision making, poor
performance
• Quantifiable costs when a senior executive leaves mount
up – severance package, headhunter fees, employment
lawyers, PR consultants
• Effect on morale - turmoil and uncertainty at the top
filter quickly down through the organization, affecting
performance and causing some valued employees to
start looking for new positions elsewhere.
58%
23%
10%
9%

5. What’s the business
case for investing in C-
Suite wellbeing?
• Protecting the company’s investment in senior
people
• The cost of replacing someone includes the cost of
their absence due to ill health, recruiting someone
to replace them and time taken for them to be
onboarded and get up to speed.
• Causal, not correlational relationship between
profitability and well-being.

6. Why a holistic
approach?
• WHO definition of wellbeing - a state of complete physical, mental
and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or
infirmity
• Solutions cannot be compartmentalised – good mental health
depends on good physical health and affects emotional health
• Much of what is currently provided is tech based and measures
physiology which can increase stress
• Current provision is also fragmented, specialist or superficial eg an
hour of mindfulness or breathwork, just focused on mental health,
or silver bullet, aimed at employees not senior managers
• Gains in wellbeing can be achieved quite quickly with the right
approach.

7. What do your C-
Suite executives
need?
We offer a 6 month and a 10
month programme based around
short retreats and coaching with
wellbeing experts
Hilary Rowland MD Next Chapter
Retreats
hilary@nextchapterretreats.guru
www.nextchapterretreats.guru