Today is World Mental Health Day, which raises awareness of mental health issues around the world and showcases efforts that support mental health.

Earlier this year, Aon announced Rachel Fellowes as its chief wellbeing officer, a newly created role to address all aspects of the importance of wellbeing for both Aon colleagues and clients. HR Executive reports that the chief wellbeing officer is becoming a growing trend while PropertyCasualty360 wrote about how organizations are working on implementing their own wellbeing programs. Learn more about wellbeing at Aon in episodes 26 and 36 of our On Aon podcast.

“At Aon, we want to contribute to transforming mental health across the globe, both for our own colleagues and for our clients,” said Rachel Fellowes, chief wellbeing officer at Aon. “We look forward to piloting this index and seeing the potential that the data and insights may bring. We are looking forward to working together with the other founding members to enable change and tackle opportunities together.”

To support clients in making better wellbeing decisions, Aon surveyed more than 1,600 companies in the 2021 Global Wellbeing Survey and found that enhancing individual and organizational wellbeing improves business outcomes and has the greatest impact on customer satisfaction and retention.

One Mind, a mental health non-profit worked with other organizations recently to develop the Mental Health at Work Index. Aon is a Founding Corporate Council member and will contribute expertise and perspective to ensure the practical value of the index. The index will transform how mental health at work programs are assessed, provide organizational leaders with real data to inform strategic decision making about what has impact when it comes to workplace mental health programs and facilitate identification and promotion of data-supported best practices. James Platt, chief digital officer at Aon, chairs the One Mind at Work Global Guiding Council. Based on the belief that “human thriving is deeply connected to mental health status,” the Guiding Council has the mandate to transform how companies approach mental health and wellness in the workplace.  

At the beginning of October, Aon kicked off its United in Gratitude campaign, which encourages colleagues to practice gratitude to improve mental wellbeing. Throughout the month, colleagues will receive suggested daily actions to focus on making gratitude a habit through four different areas: reflecting on the good times, bringing yourself joy and happiness, sharing gratitude and creating a gratitude habit.

Aon is also providing resources, including events and research, to its colleagues on World Mental Health Day and throughout the month of October, sharing techniques to manage stress and build resilience.

Learn more about Aon’s wellbeing efforts for colleagues, clients and communities in our 2021 ESG Impact Report here.