Nairobi, Feb. 14 -- If kindness was a human, Nancy Kisa says, it would be her bosses who, at the lowest moment in her career, did what is largely considered outlandish in Kenya's corporate scene.

In October 2022, when the media consultant was overwhelmed by changes in the workplace and was on the verge of a mental breakdown, she told her bosses she needed to be away for an extended period until she found her balance.

They did not try to dissuade her or threaten her with job loss like it happens in many other workplaces. Instead, they allowed her to stay six months away from work and paid her salary in full.

After years of advocating mental well-being in the workplace, a new crop of managers, such as Nancy's, is beginning to emerge. The...