Dedicate 5% of your time to supporting mental health in the workplace.

With just 5% of your time, we can help senior leaders and managers improve mental wellbeing in the workplace.

I’m taking a 15% pledge. Dedicating time to my people is important. If I can’t give their mental health 15% of the time, I don’t think I’m doing the job.

James Lafferty, CEO – Fine Hygienic Holding

Together, we can improve mental health in your workplace.

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When senior leaders commit just 5% of their time to actively listen, enact positive changes, and prioritize mental health, the benefits extend to employees and employers.

With tools, resources, and support from Cigna Healthcare, senior leaders can confidently start building an actionable plan today.  

To learn more about the questions other senior business leaders are asking about the 5% Pledge, take a look at our FAQs.

Take the Pledge

If you’ve taken the 5% pledge, you’re probably thinking, "what can I do next?"

While organizations and teams within organizations have different needs and dynamics, these 5 action items can help you get started now.

  • Announce your commitment

  • Start assessing the needs of your organization

  • Listen to team leaders and employees to understand their needs

  • Plan and implement a strategy that drives actionable changes

  • Track your journey and share your story

Get started with these tools and resources

After taking the pledge, you'll be able to access the following:

  • A Health and Risk Assessment (HRA)

  • A 5-day burnout program by LVL Wellbeing

  • Mental health check-ups for employees by German Neuroscience Centre (GNC)

  • Webinar and whitepaper that addresses the unique needs of employers

They have taken the 5% Pledge

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5 reasons for senior leadership to take the 5% Pledge

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Show commitment and dedication

Employees are a company’s most important asset. Taking the pledge lets them know you care about their personal happiness and professional satisfaction.

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Attract top industry
talent

Companies prioritizing mental health are seen as more caring and attractive to potential employees.

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Empower your organization and employees

Through Cigna Healthcare, you’ll be able to access cutting-edge tools and resources through our mental health and wellness partners – LVL Wellbeing, German Neuroscience Centre, and more

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Support Diversity and Inclusion initiatives

Creating a more supportive and positive work environment – for all – reinforces your commitment to DEI.

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Cigna Healthcare will be there every step of the way

In recent years, we’ve increased our focus and commitment to mental health. We are ready and eager to support both employers and employees.

Cigna Healthcare received 'Outstanding Contribution in Healthcare to Mental Health' award

We are thrilled to receive the Mentl Award 2023 for Outstanding Contribution in Healthcare to Mental Health.

The launch of the 5% Pledge campaign played a pivotal role in inspiring leaders to dedicate 5% of their time to mental health support. We empower them with the necessary tools and resources to foster an environment that prioritizes mental well-being.

Cigna Healthcare team received ‘Outstanding Contribution in Healthcare to Mental Health’ award

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore the answers to common questions about the 5% Pledge.

Cigna Healthcare has long recognised the importance of mental health at work – that’s why mental health support is a core pillar of our Whole Health vision – but in recent years our Global 360 Well-being surveys have shown that stress, burnout and issues with work/life balance have been on the rise within the workforce. By taking the 5% Pledge, you’re committing to building a positive and supportive workplace, one where it's okay not to be okay.

We recommend an executive leader should take the 5% Pledge to highlight the importance of mental health and well-being in the workplace and to highlight the value the business places on employee mental health. The conversation about mental health in the workplace can then begin. The intention is that the communication starts at the top and expands throughout the business involving everyone, at all levels.

Taking the Pledge couldn’t be easier – simply fill out the very brief form that can be found on this page, it’ll only take a minute.

Take the Pledge 

There are many ways to demonstrate support:

  • Announce your commitment in your staff meetings and communications such as newsletters
  • Post on social channels that you’ve signed the Pledge, maybe include a few words telling others why mental health in the workplace is important to you. Link to the Pledge site and use the hashtag #Pledge5Percent
  • Share mental health at work initiatives that you’ve implemented within your organisation to inspire and encourage other leaders. Remember to use the hashtag #Pledge5Percent

Taking the 5% Pledge will mean you are joining other senior leaders by dedicating 5% of your annual working hours towards improving mental health in the workplace support.

The first step in erasing stigma around mental health in the workplace is opening the dialogue with your colleagues. We recommend having an executive leader sign the Pledge to demonstrate the importance of this issue. As you start the conversation in your workplace, you might like to connect with your HR leaders to understand what benefits and support your company currently provides for employees and where there might be gaps.

By signing the 5% Pledge you will redefine your relationship with your employees and help shape the future of mental health at work.

The outcomes will vary from business to business, however organisations may benefit by seeing an improvement in attendance and reduced presenteeism and even a higher uptake in working benefits such as holidays and reward schemes. Your participation could help with attraction and retention of staff and boost employee engagement. It could also enhance your reputation as an employer and help to fulfil your duty of care as an employer. In addition, you will have the opportunity of working alongside other senior leaders who face similar issues in the workplace to share best practices to help create safe and supportive working environments. Read this article to learn more: 5 Benefits of the 5% Pledge

Absolutely! Everyone within an organisation has a responsibility towards creating a culture that positively impacts mental and physical health. We suggest that you start with a small group of people representing your c-suite and an HR representative to begin with, and then other individuals can join the movement. A joint mindset towards reducing the stigma surrounding mental health is preferable to just one department trying to make a difference.

For a person working 42 hours per week, when they take the 5% Pledge they’d be committing to allocating 2 hours per week, or one day per month, to understanding and supporting mental health in the workplace.