$7 trillion investor coalition pushes for action and disclosure on mental health

The CEOs of 100 of the UK’s largest listed companies have been targeted by a campaign by coalition of 29 asset owners, institutional investors and stewardship service providers representing $7 trillion in assets.

The coalition, led by leading responsible investment manager, CCLA, and made up of the founding signatories to the CCLA-led Global Investor Statement on Workplace Mental Health, launched in May this year. The campaign urges these companies to take immediate and concerted steps to develop and implement effective management systems and processes on workplace mental health.

It calls on the CEOs to ensure they optimise their organisations’ performance by eliminating avoidable costs associated with mental ill health and taking concerted efforts to create the working conditions under which every individual can thrive.

“Creating a workplace that does no harm to the mental or physical health of workers is not only a moral necessity but also a financial imperative,” said Amy Browne, stewardship lead at CCLA and architect of the Global Investor Statement on Corporate Mental Health.

“According to Deloitte, in 2021 employers saw an average return of £5.30 for every £1 invested in mental health interventions. In creating a positive environment for workplace mental health, companies will boost their ability to retain skilled employees, increase their productivity and reduce their financial outgoings.”