Helo launches campaign to strengthen managers’ mental health

Against the background of rising mental ill health among managers, Helo Hälsa is launching a campaign in April focusing on managers’ own health, sustainability and resilience. The initiative is aimed at managers, leaders, decision-makers and HR professionals who want to build workplaces that stay sustainable over time and strengthen leadership from within.

Managers play a key role in driving both results and culture — and at the same time, new figures show that sick leave due to mental ill health is rising faster among managers than in other occupational groups. As many as 38% of those signed off sick for reasons connected to mental ill health are managers (Skandia, 2025; Chefstidningen, 2025). Growing workloads, a rapid pace of change and high expectations make support, recovery and sustainable ways of working decisive if managers are to keep a healthy working life.

“We see that many managers today work at a constantly high tempo, marked by considerable stress and pressure, where their own wellbeing is often the first thing to be set aside. With this campaign we want to raise the question and offer practical tools for building resilience and more sustainable leadership.”

Sofie Bingmark, CEO of Helo Hälsa

A rise in sick leave is not only a matter for employers, but for society as a whole. Sweden’s total bill for sick leave passed SEK 100 billion in 2025, up from SEK 92 billion in 2024. In 2010, mental ill health accounted for 30% of long-term sick leave — that figure now stands at 48% (Svenskt Näringsliv, 2026). It is an increase that brings substantial problems for society.

A campaign with several perspectives

The campaign Hur mår chefen (“How is the manager?”), which runs throughout April, consists of four themes designed to reach and engage both managers and HR:

• Mental health, mental health first aid and difficult conversations
• Decision fatigue and recovery
• Emotional intelligence (EQ) in leadership
• Healthy attendance among managers — from micro-habits to macro effect

The campaign consists of several free webinars with experts in leadership, health and organisational development, along with exclusive interviews with managers across different sectors.

The aim is to break the stigma around mental ill health among managers, build knowledge, and at the same time offer practical tools that strengthen both the individual and the organisation.

“Sustainable organisations start with sustainable leaders. By investing in managers’ wellbeing, we create better conditions for performance, engagement and long-term development alike.”

Sofie Bingmark

The campaign is part of Helo Hälsa’s continuing work to support decision-makers and employees on questions of work environment, inclusive occupational health and personal development.

About Helo Hälsa

Helo Hälsa is a digital platform for smart, inclusive and preventive occupational health. Our vision is that people get the right help with their health at the right time — so that good health is not a privilege, but a natural part of life. What we do benefits not only employees and employers, but society at large.

With a complete package of digital and human services such as coaching, health assessments and lectures, we make it easy for employers to invest in good health at work. We make it possible to strengthen strategic, continuous health work in a modern, creative and cost-effective way. Say helo to being part of the future of occupational health!