Reshaping ESG: A Conversation on the Business Case for Mental Health Initiatives

The ESG standards have seen much attention from the SEC in the last several years. Now, the debate of including an “H” stands in line to extend the framework and consider the well-being of individuals with a more concentrated pillar. 

In this week’s episode, host Natalie Pierce speaks with Dr. Bonny Forrest, a Principal at FirmLeader. Bonny is a renowned psychologist and former big law litigator and in-house counsel who now serves as a Board Consultant and Advisor. Bonny advises company boards on how to evaluate and implement ESG practices and provides coaching to board members on creating value with ESG for their companies.

Natalie and Bonny discuss the importance of incorporating mental health programming as part of companies’ ESG framework.  While some have been slower to buy in, companies that are currently investing in mental health are largely focusing on employee burnout and depression, and allowing flexibility in order to keep everyone engaged and thriving.

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode

★   Benefits of Prioritizing Mental Health: When organizations prioritize mental health, it benefits both employer and employee alike–it helps employers retain talent and leads to more progress and bigger profits.

★   Successful ESG Initiatives: In order to successfully incorporate mental health into the company culture, organizations must have someone who both manages its initiatives and champions them. While many companies have yet to fully dive into the mental health space, companies that are currently addressing mental health focus on burnout, depression, and flexibility.  

★   How Companies Can Prioritize Mental Health: The best ways to prioritize mental health within your organization are to listen to your employees, start small, identify leaders with healthy habits for success within your company, learn how to resolve conflicts, and embrace difficult conversations.

💡 Meet Your Host 💡

Name: Natalie Pierce

Organization: Gunderson Dettmer

Connect: LinkedIn

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Dr. Bonny Forrest

Organization: Firm Leader

Connect: LinkedIn

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