Martin Hedman, director of mental wellness practices at VIKAND, emphasizes the urgent need for a collective detox in the maritime industry. While resilience is typically seen as a strength, it can become toxic when excessive demands lead to burnout and mental health struggles. Seafarers face immense pressures, including long hours and separation from loved ones, and the toll this takes on their mental well-being is often overlooked.
The maritime industry must shift from a culture that normalizes mental health issues to one that prioritizes support and well-being. Resilience should be a tool for overcoming challenges, not a justification for imposing greater workloads on already exhausted crews. Effective leadership should focus on empathy and encouragement rather than pushing teams to their limits.
As highlighted by the Harvard Business Review, leaders who prioritize toughness can inadvertently harm their teams. The maritime sector is at risk of losing valuable talent due to a toxic resilience culture, which undermines the industry’s future. It’s crucial for maritime leaders to recognize this issue and commit to fostering a healthier work environment, ensuring that resilience does not come at the expense of mental health.
