Balancing Mental Health and Productivity in Tech: Insights from Newton Cheng, Google’s Director of Health and Performance

In the fast-paced world of tech, where long hours and high expectations are the norm, maintaining mental health can feel like an afterthought. In this episode of Tech Minds Unwind, we sat down with Newton Cheng, Director of Health and Performance at Google, to discuss how tech professionals can prioritize their well-being while thriving in demanding roles. With over 15 years of experience at Google, Newton shared his personal journey, practical strategies, and insights on balancing mental health, productivity, and life in the tech industry.

Meet Newton Cheng: A Leader in Health and Well-being

Newton Cheng has spent over a decade and a half at Google, where he currently serves as the Director of Health and Performance. His role involves overseeing a wide range of health and wellness initiatives, including on-site gyms, digital fitness platforms, massage programs, and community events designed to promote physical and mental well-being among Google employees. Beyond his day-to-day responsibilities, Newton also collaborates with other teams at Google to create a holistic strategy for employee health and performance.

The Complexity of Health and Well-being in Tech

When asked about the challenges of his role, Newton emphasized the complexity of health and well-being. “It’s never going to feel completely solved because it’s a complex problem,” he explained. His approach focuses on making continual progress while managing the tension between ambition and self-care.

Balancing Profitability and Employee Well-being

In an era where companies like Meta have declared a “year of efficiency,” the pressure to deliver more with fewer resources is higher than ever. Newton shared his perspective on balancing profitability with employee well-being:

• The Bottom Line: Organizations must remain successful to sustain their mission. If a company isn’t profitable, it can’t support its employees.
• Attracting Top Talent: Companies like Google and Meta compete for the best talent, and top performers expect workplaces that support their health and well-being.
• The Link Between Well-being and Productivity: Newton highlighted the undeniable connection between mental health and performance. “Health and well-being and productivity are definitely linked,” he said.

Why Mental Health Matters in Tech

Tech professionals often work long hours, driven by the promise of promotions and hefty paychecks. But Newton argued that prioritizing mental health is essential, especially in high-pressure environments:

• The New York Yankees Analogy: Joining a tech giant like Google is akin to trying out for the New York Yankees. The demands are high, and so are the stakes.
• The Risks of Ignoring Mental Health: Without proper self-care, employees risk burnout, anxiety, and depression.
• The Need for Clarity: Newton stressed the importance of defining personal priorities and aligning them with professional goals.

Newton’s Personal Journey: From Burnout to Balance

Newton’s insights are deeply rooted in his own experiences. In January 2022, he took a mental health leave after struggling with burnout. He shared the five phases of his recovery:

1. Retreat: Acknowledging the need to step back from work to focus on healing.
2. Reset: Allowing his mind to settle by simplifying his daily routine.
3. Reconnect: Reconnecting with his core values and passions.
4. Reimagine: Redefining his priorities as a husband, father, competitive athlete, and leader.
5. Rebuild: Creating a life aligned with his values and goals.

Practical Tips for Tech Professionals

Newton offered actionable advice for tech professionals looking to prioritize their mental health:

1. Define Your Priorities: Get clear on what matters most to you—whether it’s family, personal passions, or career goals.
2. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to tasks that don’t align with your priorities.
3. Replenish Yourself: Focus on the basics—exercise, sleep, nutrition, and meaningful social connections.
4. Communicate with Your Manager: Be transparent about your needs and boundaries at work.

The Role of Leadership in Normalizing Mental Health

Despite progress, mental health remains stigmatized in many workplaces. Newton emphasized the importance of leadership in driving cultural change:

• Lead by Example: Leaders should openly discuss their own mental health challenges to destigmatize the topic.
• Invest in Mental Health Resources: Companies must provide access to mental health services and encourage their use.
• Create a Supportive Culture: Leaders play a key role in shaping workplace norms around mental health and well-being.

The Future of Mental Health in Tech

Newton is optimistic about the future. While productivity remains a key metric, he believes organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of mental health. “We are actually talking about it now,” he said, “and that is progress.”

Final Thoughts: A Call to Action for Leaders

Newton left us with a powerful message for leaders in tech and beyond:
“If you are in a position of power and privilege, reflect on how you showed up during this mental health epidemic. What story do you want to tell your children or grandchildren? Choose something that will make them proud.”

Listen to the Full Episode

Want to hear more from Newton Cheng? Listen to the full episode of Tech Minds Unwind here (embed podcast player).