2 Ways Employees Benefit Mentally From 'Participative Leadership'

Being a leader means more than just guiding your employees; you have to reinforce their value too. Here's how this can benefit the whole team.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | October 15, 2024

"Participative leadership" is a management style where leaders involve employees in decision-making processes, promoting collaboration and shared responsibility. While final decisions lie with the employers, employees are encouraged to share their ideas, given the resources and support they require in their work process.

A 2022 review published in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that such leadership benefits employee mental health, as well as organizational growth.

"Participative leadership, characterized by autonomy, collaboration and openness, encourages employees to work innovatively by providing creative ideas and solutions that lead to the best decisions," the researchers explain.

Here are two reasons why participative leadership benefits employees, according to the study.

1. They Feel Valued Rather Than Micromanaged

When employees feel that their voices are heard and their input is valued, they develop a deeper connection to their work, a greater sense of personal achievement and higher psychological security in their workplace.

Researchers also found that participative leadership fosters a sense of autonomy and belief in one's ability to achieve desired goals, which is essential to their well-being. Rather than being told exactly what to do or having their every move scrutinized, employees are trusted to succeed. This sense of ownership can boost morale and well-being within the workplace.

2. They Are Able To Thrive And Avoid Burnout

Participative leadership plays a vital role in helping employees psychologically thrive by fostering a work environment that prioritizes emotional well-being. By encouraging open communication and collaboration, employees can feel supported and safe to express their needs and concerns.

When employees have a say in the decision-making process, it also reduces feelings of helplessness and increases their sense of control over their work, which is key to reducing stress and burnout.

One recent study found that participative leadership can alleviate workers' emotional exhaustion and contribute to a greater work-life balance.

Researchers suggest that when leaders are empathetic and emotionally intelligent, it can ease employee stress. Such leaders are better equipped to understand the pressures employees face and can provide necessary support.

Additionally, a 2021 study published in Frontiers in Psychology examined the effects of participative leadership and the perceived integrity of a leader on frontline workers' well-being during Covid-19. Researchers found that receiving a leader's attention, support and empowerment enhanced employees' workplace thriving and their ability to help others during the crisis.

Additionally, the sense of community and shared responsibility that participative leadership offers can create a buffer against workplace isolation, a rapidly rising mental health issue.

It's crucial, however, for leaders to strike a balance. Involving employees in decision-making should empower them, not overwhelm them. If participative leadership leads to an unmanageable workload, it can have the opposite effect and increase stress. Leaders must be mindful of not only delegating responsibilities but ensuring employees have the resources and time to handle them.

For workplaces to move in this direction, leaders must prioritize trust, empathy and open dialogue, while encouraging input from all levels of the organization. Companies can start by training managers in emotional intelligence, creating platforms for feedback—and taking it seriously—and ensuring that employees have meaningful opportunities to contribute.

Employees deserve more than just a paycheck. They thrive in environments where they feel respected, heard and supported. When leadership prioritizes their well-being, it fosters a positive workplace culture that benefits everyone.

To build a truly positive workplace, leadership must go beyond management. It must actively champion employees' well-being, making their growth and fulfillment the foundation of the organization's success.

Do you feel psychologically safe and valued at work? Take this science-backed test to learn more: Psychological Safety Scale

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.