Karen Lynch, CEO and president of CVS Health, says it's time to change the conversation around mental health — and business leaders have a role to play by supporting employees and recognizing mental health as an everyday health issue.
Ms. Lynch penned a column for CNN Sept. 12 suggesting three ways business leaders can support their employees and destigmatize mental health.
"Mental health has been the collateral damage of the pandemic, but the uncertainty and social isolation of this time has at least raised awareness and increased our willingness to openly discuss things like depression, loneliness and burnout," Ms. Lynch said in her column.
Ms. Lynch's suggestions include:
1. Be transparent and open
Leaders should be comfortable discussing their own mental health with employees.
2. Increase access to mental healthcare
Employers should consider adding more resources like telehealth mental health treatment and trainings for employees.
3. Encourage peer support
Employers can create forums where employees can talk to each other about mental health and overcoming challenges, Ms. Lynch said.
Read the full column here.