The Global Business Collaboration for Better Workplace Mental Health

The first global business-led initiative of its kind designed to advocate for – and accelerate – positive change for mental health in the workplace.


Now, more than ever, poor mental health is on the rise.

Young people in particular are struggling, with a staggering 48% of Gen Z and 44% of Millennials1 reporting that they feel stressed most or all of the time. This not only impacts the communities in which we live, but the places that we work. 

These rising numbers, coupled with the costs associated with lost productivity, highlight the need for urgent action by business leaders.

1 Deloitte Global Millennial Survey 2020.

The Global Business Collaboration for Better Workplace Mental Health 

Despite important progress in some countries, there remains a lack of evidence, best practice and tools, to effectively implement global approaches to workplace mental health. This challenge is exacerbated by the cultural complexities and stigma associated with mental health across the world. 

Together with academic experts, multilateral institutions, and not-for-profit organisations, we want to create a world where all workplace leaders recognise, have the right tools, and commit to take tangible and evidence-based action on mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, enabling their workplace to thrive.

This initiative seeks to advance progress across the globe by committing senior leaders to a Pledge to create mentally healthy workplaces, as well as by sharing insights and best practice across workplaces to build out a Roadmap for change, wherever an organisation is on their journey.

Find out more about the Pledge

Founding Partners

Noel Quinn, Group Chief Executive

“I’m deeply committed to supporting the mental wellbeing of our people. Our commitment to speak up and take action around mental health is fundamental to the culture we are creating at HSBC – in fact, it has never been more important. That is why we’re supporting the Global Business Collaboration for Better Workplace Mental Health – to help overcome the stigma we know still exists, and to ensure that improving mental health in the workplace is a priority. I encourage my peers leading other businesses to join us by signing the Pledge.”

Joe Ucuzoglu, Global CEO

“Mental wellbeing is fundamental for our people and communities. Deloitte is deeply committed to supporting our people when they face challenges and providing a work environment that is free of stigma. We are proud to be one of the Founding Partners of the Global Business Collaboration for Better Workplace Mental Health, collaborating with other organizations to help make mental health a business priority on a global basis.”

Alan Jope, CEO

“As we look to rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic, the business community must prioritise and invest in the mental health of all employees—this is not just a business initiative, but a social imperative that will drive positive and long-lasting effects for society. I invite other leaders of businesses – whether large or small – to join this global movement to advance the desperately needed conversation around creating an open, welcoming, and supportive workplace environment for all when it comes to mental health in the workplace.”

Charles Adams, Global Managing Partner

“Clifford Chance are proud to be founding partners of The Global Business Collaboration for Better Workplace Mental Health, a visible commitment by business leaders all over the world to protect and enhance the mental health and wellbeing of their people. Whilst many have taken positive steps to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and wellbeing, there remains a long road ahead to create a world where mental health is normalised and indeed celebrated. The answers are not always clear or easy, but I am optimistic that through our joint commitment and collaboration we will make a positive difference to the lives of the people in our businesses, those we serve and the societies in which we operate.”

Mike Henry, CEO

“Improved mental health will support improved safety, higher productivity and better bottom line results. The imperative is clear and as leaders we have an accountability to effect change for the good of our business and society. We need to act to de-stigmatise mental health challenges and increase access to necessary support.”

Bernard Looney, CEO

“Over the past 5 years I have been talking about how important mental health is – it’s a topic close to my heart. And in that time, I’ve been heartened to see it move up the global agenda. But even with this progress – the impact of the pandemic has really driven the issue home – putting mental health on the map in a way like it has never been before. It is one of the few – if not the only – positive to come out of the pandemic.

That’s why we’ve become a founding partner in the Global Business Collaboration for Better Workplace Mental Health. At BP we are a company that truly cares about each other – and hence our health. And we know that there is no trade-off between health and performance – they go hand in hand. If we look after ourselves—and care about each other – we all do our best work.”

Mark Read, CEO

“There’s no doubt that the challenges of the pandemic and the impact of social division and injustice have taken their toll on people’s mental and emotional wellbeing over the last year. Making mental wellbeing a priority in the workplace helps to build an inclusive culture that supports our people, and I’m proud that WPP is a founding partner of the Global Business Collaboration for Better Workplace Mental Health.”

Sodexo logo

Sophie Bellon, Chairwoman of Sodexo’s Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer

“The pandemic has called for a stronger emphasis to be put on mental health and wellbeing. This shifted from being a nice-to-have to being a business imperative. At Sodexo, we are a people company: we create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. And wellbeing, including mental wellbeing, is a top priority in our agenda.”

Supporting Partners

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