Hannawald warns: This is how managers protect mental health!

Hannawald warns: This is how managers protect mental health!

At the IHK business reception in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on November 25, 2025, ski jumping legend Sven Hannawald spoke forcefully about the responsibility of managers with regard to mental health. “There’s something there,” you could say, because in times of increasing pressure to perform and a rapidly changing world of work, the mental health of employees is more important than ever. Hannawald, who himself struggled with the consequences of burnout for several years, brought in his own impressive story and explained how managers can effectively counteract this. Loud Mercury he emphasizes the immense importance of setting limits in order to effectively avoid burnout.

Hannawald reported on his tight schedule as a competitive athlete, which ultimately led him to the brink of collapse. “I was ski jumping 24/7,” he explained. The pressure to constantly do more can build to a critical point where mental health suffers. After his time in the hospital, it was clear to him that he couldn't just go back to the old routine. Today he consciously takes time out and listens to his body's signals. A piece of advice that he also gives to managers: “Block fixed time-outs in your calendar and defend them!”

Mental health in the workplace

Work is not only a means to an end, but also a central building block for psychological well-being. The AOK emphasizes that ideally structured work organizes the daily routine, creates meaning and promotes social contacts. This is particularly relevant today, when fast-moving technological changes and condensed processes shape everyday work. The pandemic has accelerated these developments even further, which is having a negative impact on the mental health of employees. Related questions about reducing psychological stress and promoting well-being in companies are the focus of discussions that Hannawald also initiates. Dealing with mental illnesses publicly is particularly important to him, and as an AOK ambassador he shares his personal experiences and reviews of his sporting career.

The World Health Organization (WHO) published guidelines back in September 2022 containing recommendations for improving mental health in the workplace. According to a summary of the guideline, which was translated into German by the Krems University of Continuing Education, mental illnesses are widespread: it is estimated that more than 15% of working-age adults are affected. Such illnesses can impair professional participation, which ultimately also endangers productivity and maintaining employment. For companies that take care of the mental health of their employees, there are not only social but also economic benefits. At the same time, the exchange between leading people and employees is also promoted in order to find common ground on how to deal with these challenges.

• Organisatorische Maßnahmen zur Reduzierung emotionalen Stresses
• Schulungen für Führungskräfte zur Unterstützung der psychischen Gesundheit
• Schulungen für Arbeitnehmer zur Förderung psychischer Gesundheitskompetenz
• Einzelmaßnahmen zur Verbesserung der Stressbewältigung
• Strategien zur beruflichen Eingliederung für Menschen mit schweren psychischen Erkrankungen

Hannawald makes it clear: performance is important, but not at any price. Even perfectionists need to learn to sit back and recharge their batteries every now and then. The athlete draws parallels between his career and company succession, as a well-planned handover is also crucial here. At a time when social connection and collaboration are so crucial, employee well-being must be the focus - not just as an ideal state, but as a sustainable strategy. The AOK sees this as a cornerstone of corporate health.

Given these insights, it will be interesting to see how companies will follow this advice and face the challenges of the modern working world. The goal of the joint efforts is clear: a healthy, productive working environment for everyone.