New Case Study Prioritizes Mental Health

Imagine a job ruining your well-being. For 9 out of 10 employees, work-related stress* is a reality. This phenomenon also creates a unique set of pressures for female managers. While research on this topic is limited, a new case study has been commended for exploring the impact of mental health challenges on career growth and ways to improve corporate culture. More importantly, it outlines simple solutions to empower and support both.

Professor Kyle Ingram, UCR Assistant Professor of Teaching in Management, and Professor Bethania Antunes, London School of Economics and Political Science, have taken a real-life example and created a lesson on how to make the modern workplace a healthier space. Their case study, “Stonegate: Managing Mental Health and Fostering Resilience,” explores the experience of Stephanie Riley, a bright, highly motivated manager suddenly crippled by depression and anxiety. What is particularly interesting is that Riley’s crises occurred while seeking an advanced leadership role.

Stonegate helps students understand the relationship between stress, depression, anxiety, and diminished work capacity. Violetta Gallagher, associate director at Ivey Publishing, the study’s distributor, believes: “The most compelling aspect of the case is its focus on mental health, a vital yet underrepresented area in business education.” By following Riley’s mental health timeline, students can analyze the effect the rigors of career growth and changing roles can have on an individual’s mental health.
 

Fresh Narrative on Female Resilience

The presentation of a star employee’s unraveling and eventual recovery is a game- changer among business case studies. From struggling with day-to-day duties to cracks in her composure and symptoms of depression, Stonegate explores the call for corporate intervention in light of inadequate support systems. Says Gallagher: “What makes this case truly stand out is its portrayal of Stephanie Riley as a multifaceted, strong female protagonist. Her story challenges traditional stereotypes by demonstrating that prioritizing mental health can coexist with resilience and success.” A key takeaway is that advocating for better services is imperative when prioritizing mental health.

Unique Benefits of the Case Study Format

Ingram believes “case studies offer an interactive learning experience, providing students with a real-world context for applying theoretical concepts.” Gallagher concurs, noting that Ingram and Antunes have created a winning format with Stonegate: “From a pedagogical standpoint, the case excels in its structure and use of roleplay. The roleplay component is particularly impactful, as it transforms the case into an interactive experience, helping students develop empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills in sensitive scenarios.”

Gallegher, an avid reviewer of business case studies and well-versed in the marketplace, believes the study achieves two broad yet noteworthy goals: “In today’s competitive landscape, this case fills a critical gap. It not only highlights the importance of mental health but also showcases how organizations can genuinely integrate these considerations into their culture.”
 

Culture Shift: Strategies to Promote Well-Being

One question Ingram and Antunes’ study poses is whether management could or should intervene before an employee requests help. “These topics are highly relevant as businesses increasingly recognize the link between employee well-being, productivity, and organizational success,” explains Ingram.

The cost of not seeking help is twofold. The operational cost is approximately 12 billion workdays lost globally each year as workers cope with depression and anxiety. The financial cost, however, totals one trillion dollars in lost productivity.** The need for corporate support is evident. The pressing question is, how can companies best assist struggling employees?

Stonegate helps students develop a more informed perspective on workplace challenges. As Gallagher surmises: “Riley’s story resonates as both a call to action and an inspiration, emphasizing that success should never come at the expense of mental health and that everyone deserves the space to grow, recover, and thrive.”

The Stonegate Case Study with teaching note is available for purchase.
 

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*Center for Advancing Health, “Stress in the Workplace, 2024 Update,” January 11, 2024
**UKMoney.net
Source: Stonegate: Managing Mental Health and Fostering Resilience