WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in collaboration with the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End the National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) Executive Order Task Force, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Secretary’s Center for Strategic Partnerships, has launched an effort to prioritize mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, marked by a pledge signing with more than two dozen leading companies and organizations representing more than six million American workers.
“Mental health and wellbeing are top strategic imperatives for American business, as represented by the broad coalition of companies and organizations who are working with the Chamber Foundation and the Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize mental health in the workplace,” said Eric Eversole, vice president, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and president, Hiring Our Heroes. “Together, we can make a meaningful difference in our employees’ lives and strengthen our communities.”
As part of the collaborative effort, coalition companies and organizations are signing a “Pledge to Prioritize Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing in the Workplace.” The pledge not only works to overcome stigma associated with mental health challenges, but commits to providing employees with the services and resources needed to promote mental wellness. The pledge also emphasizes the important role that veteran employees can play in reducing stigma and creating resiliency in the workplace.
“We’re grateful for the chance to work with these companies to make mental health a priority in the workplace,” said Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert L. Wilkie. “Suicide is a national tragedy, and we believe this partnership is a critical step toward ending the mental health stigma for Veterans and non-Veterans alike.”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Department of Veteran Affairs will continue working with coalition companies and organizations to develop and produce a best practices guide on mental health in the workplace. The guide will help empower employers of all sizes as they work to prioritize employee wellbeing and address this critical issue.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness. We educate the public on the conditions necessary for business and communities to thrive, how business positively impacts communities, and emerging issues and creative solutions that will shape the future.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans. We provide veterans the world-class benefits and services they have earned - and to do so by adhering to the highest standards of compassion, commitment, excellence, professionalism, integrity, accountability, and stewardship.
