Ledarskapets betydelse för psykisk hälsa: En kvalitativ studie av yrkesverksamma inom kommunikationsbranschen

Sammanfattning

The communications industry in Sweden is notable for its high rate of sick leave due to mental health issues. It has been linked to organizational conditions such as high workload, time pressure, and high expectations on competence. The purpose of the study was to analyze the importance of leadership for the mental health of professionals in the communications industry, and how organizational conditions shape the context in which professionals work. Using an abductive approach and qualitative interviews, participants’ experiences were examined and analyzed thematically, using the theory of transformational leadership and the Job Demands-Resources model as analytical framework. The findings imply that organizational conditions contribute to mental health issues, and that there is a shared perception among respondents that the communications industry is characterized by demanding working conditions. Leadership was found to be significant through its influence over these conditions, and when leaders exercise individualized consideration, they can reduce employee stress and promote mental wellbeing. At the same time, leadership is complex. The findings showed that it can both mitigate and contribute to mental health issues, and that there are limits to what leaders can influence. The study advances the understanding of this complexity and highlights the need for further research examining leadership in light of external factors such as economic fluctuations.