3 Keys to leader-led wellbeing
Free To Grow
Boosting employee well-being, growth and engagement by shifting behaviour through learning experiences that touch hearts
“69% of employees stated their managers had the greatest impact on their mental health – comparable to the influence of their partner or spouse, and surpassing that of doctors or therapists.” Global Survey by UKG’s Workforce Institute
In these challenging times, we are all weathering an extraordinary storm. Unpredictable shifts in global markets, the rising cost of living and ongoing geopolitical tensions add to the pressures we face daily—both inside and outside the workplace.
Organisations have a vital role to play in supporting their employees’ resilience and wellbeing. Creating a culture that prioritises mental health, fosters connection, and provides practical support isn’t just a ‘nice to have’—it’s a necessity for a thriving, engaged workforce where people will be able to focus their energy on doing their best work.
Increasingly, organisation realise that employee wellbeing is not merely a perk but a critical component of organisational success, influencing productivity, engagement and retention.
Managers: A vital link
A study by Deloitte’s (US), revealed that a significant 94% of employees believe their manager should have at least some responsibility for their wellbeing.
As the direct link between the organisation and its employees, managers are uniquely positioned to champion and cultivate a culture that prioritises wellbeing. Unfortunately, they are seldom equipped or given the tools, support and empowerment they need to take accountability for the wellbeing of their people.
The opportunity
Drawing on over 31 years of experience in employee wellbeing, engagement and growth, Free To Grow partners with organisations to empower their managers with the insight, skills and tools they need to truly support their people.
Whether you're looking to spark awareness, build practical capability or embed wellbeing into your culture, we offer three flexible options to suit your needs.
1. Start the conversation: A short, awareness session (90 minutes, virtual)
This session opens managers’ eyes to the growing importance of emotional wellbeing at work. It offers practical guidance on how to spot when someone is not coping, how to offer basic support in the moment, and how to refer employees for professional help when needed. A great first step for shifting mindsets and opening dialogue.
2. Build the competence: A skills-building workshop (4 hours, virtual or in-person)
Designed to deepen understanding and build real capability, this interactive workshop helps managers navigate wellbeing challenges with empathy and skill—both one-on-one and in a team setting. They walk away with a practical toolkit they can use straight away to foster healthy, open conversations and strengthen wellbeing in their teams.
“I found this programme incredibly insightful and valuable for my leadership team in the UK. The practical approach to highlighting the need and benefits of employee wellbeing from an organisational and people perspective was particularly enlightening; one could feel the shift in the room as the half-day workshop unfolded. I was thrilled at how employee wellbeing was positioned; each leader walked away with a newfound
understanding and a desire to drive this focus in their teams.”understanding and a desire to drive this focus in their teams.”
Andrew McDonald, Wilderness Group HR Manager (at the time)
3. Make wellbeing conversations a habit (an immersive one-day workshop including the Staying Strong Leader Toolkit)
When wellbeing becomes part of the daily rhythm, not a once-off event, it starts to truly make a difference. This in-depth workshop equips managers with the insight, confidence and practical tools they need to lead their teams through tough times with empathy and strength.
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Managers are introduced to the Staying Strong Toolkit—a powerful, easy-to-use resource that helps them hold 15 meaningful, bite-size team conversations around resilience and wellbeing. Using practical tools like the BRAVE self-check, the OROS mindset, and the STRONG lifestyle framework, leaders learn how to foster a shared language and culture of care.
Each manager leaves not only inspired, but licensed and equipped to embed these conversations into everyday team life—making support visible, real, and consistent. It’s a hands-on, heart-first approach to building strong teams from the inside out.
“The impact of this leader-led journey has been amazing. It has exceeded what we could have hoped for. There were so many unintended positive consequences. There was a clear sense of connection and mutual care in teams as people opened up and supported each other in new ways.
The programme also contributed to Woolworths achieving its best-ever engagement scores during its implementation.”
Sibongile Antoni, Head of HR: Learning & Development (at the time)
CLICK HERE to read the Case Study on the impact at Woolworths
Whether you're looking to spark awareness, build practical capability or embed wellbeing into your culture, join us to learn more about the flexible options available to suit your needs.
What you can expect
Mbuso Mlagisi will be your host. With over a decade of experience of facilitating Free To Grow's programmes, across industries, Mbuso will reveal some of the current reality regarding workplace wellbeing, the business advantages of prioritising employee wellbeing and the essential role of leaders in creating a culture that prioritises wellbeing and engagement.
Alinda Nortje is the founder and Executive Chairperson of Free To Grow and the developer of the award-winning Staying Strong Wellbeing Programme and Toolkit. Alinda will be sharing insights into the toolkit designed for leaders to nurture the wellbeing of their teams and the secrets behind operationalising wellbeing conversations.
Jo Thomson is an experienced C-Suite leadership coach and senior consultant at Free To Grow. Jo will sharing his experience of presenting solutions to enhance manager's awareness, knowledge and skills to foster team wellbeing.
Are you ready to take the next step in boosting the wellbeing of your people, through your leaders? Reach out to us to disucuss your needs and shape a solution that works for you. Find out more from Alinda Nortje, Executive Chairperson of Free To Grow on +27 82 852 6323 or alinda@ftgsa.co.za or Chandre Combrinck on +27 327 8720 or chandre@ftgsa.co.za