The Calm Boss Effect

Keeping employees motivated and mentally well is one of the biggest challenges in today’s workplace. But according to new research, the secret to success may not come from the employees, it starts with the manager.

A study led by Prof. Mina Westman from Tel Aviv University, together with researchers in the U.S., found that when a manager stays calm and emotionally balanced, the whole team benefits. Workers feel better, perform better, and are less likely to burn out.

This effect is known as “emotional contagion”, the idea that emotions are contagious. When a manager handles stress calmly, it quietly teaches the team how to do the same, even without saying a word.

The research followed hundreds of managers and employees in the U.S. National Guard over nine months. Even after just four months, there were noticeable improvements. After nine months, employees reported feeling less stressed, less burned out, and more satisfied with life.

And it’s not just about feelings, it’s also about money. Stress and burnout lead to missed workdays, lower productivity, and high turnover. So when companies invest in helping their leaders build emotional strength, everyone wins.