Workplace Leadership
2025-07-17 05:48:02

Leadership in the Workplace: The Burden of Mental Care and Career Counseling for Executives

The Growing Burden on Executives: Mental Care and Career Counseling



In Japan, a significant shift is occurring among employees regarding management roles. A rising number of employees express reluctance to ascend into management due to the increasing burdens associated with these positions. A recent survey conducted by Shake Inc., targeting over 1,000 full-time executives (managerial level) aged 35 to 60 years from companies with over 300 employees, sheds light on the realities executives face today.

The survey, titled "The Expectations, Realities, and Challenges of Management Positions," reveals that those currently in management carry significant responsibilities, often feeling overwhelmed. Many executives are eager to alleviate some of their burdens related to their roles, particularly when it comes to supporting their subordinates’ mental health and conducting career conversations.

Survey Insights


Overview of the Research


  • - Survey Period: June 10 - June 13, 2025
  • - Method: Online survey by PRIZMA
  • - Participant Count: 1,020 individuals
  • - Focus: Full-time executives aged 35-60 from large companies

The results of this research highlight a growing sentiment among current executives that they are expected to support their subordinates in the following ways:

1. Career Support: 63.7% of executives feel a significant expectation to provide necessary guidance and development for their subordinates’ careers.
2. Operational Direction: 50.2% believe they are expected to manage work instructions and monitor progress effectively.
3. Motivation Maintenance: 48.5% assert that fostering a positive work environment and maintaining subordinates’ motivation are key responsibilities.

When asked what they wish to prioritize, the findings were consistent:
  • - A focus on career support and fostering a positive atmosphere remains a top priority for executives.
  • - Operational direction is less prioritized personally, suggesting a disconnect between expectations and personal aspirations.

The Desire for Shared Leadership


One notable trend from the survey is the growing interest in shared leadership models. Over 70% of executives expressed that they find the concept of shared leadership—where responsibility and decision-making are distributed among team members—appealing. This method counters traditional hierarchies and allows collective leadership, enabling all members to exhibit leadership qualities as needed.

However, despite these aspirations, executives indicate significant concerns regarding the clarity of roles, decision-making efficiency, and maintaining control in a shared leadership model. These concerns suggest that while executives are attracted to shared leadership ideals, transitioning from conventional management practices to shared structures requires careful consideration of new frameworks, rules, and responsibilities.

Mental Health and Career Counseling: A Heavy Load


Interestingly, respondents identified specific responsibilities they’d prefer to relinquish. The top contenders included:
1. Mental Health Care: 24.7% of executives expressed a desire to shift the burden associated with supporting the mental wellness of their teams.
2. Career Conversations: Another 22.9% would like to reduce their involvement in career counseling sessions.

The managerial load of caring for subordinates’ mental health reflects the growing pressures executives face, where they feel unprepared to handle complex emotional and career-related discussions. Many of these responsibilities require specialized knowledge yet are often left to individual managers, underscoring the need for organizational support and resources.

Conclusion: Building Supportive Environments


From this research, it is evident that executives are dedicated to fostering their teams' growth while grappling with substantial psychological burdens. To cultivate more effective organizations, enabling environments where leadership is shared, and responsibilities are balanced is crucial. This kind of setting not only alleviates the intense pressure on individual executives but also enhances overall workplace satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Ultimately, Shake Inc. is advocating for a cultural transformation within workplaces, promoting shared leadership approaches that empower individuals at all levels to exercise their leadership capacities, reducing pressure and improving overall organizational health.

For those looking to support next-generation leadership and redefine management practices, Shake Inc. provides comprehensive solutions ensuring organizational growth and employee engagement.


画像1

画像2

画像3

画像4

画像5

画像6

画像7

画像8

Topics People & Culture)

【About Using Articles】

You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.

【About Links】

Links are free to use.