On-Demand

The Future of Workplace Mental Health: How Employers Can Tackle Loneliness and Burnout

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Workplace well-being is more important than ever. Join SHRM President and CEO, Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., alongside David Ko, CEO of Calm, and Marjorie Morrison, SHRM’s Mental Health Executive-in-Residence, for an engaging conversation on the state of mental health in today’s workplaces. Together, they’ll explore the growing “loneliness epidemic,” the role of technology in fostering or hindering connection, and how organizations can create cultures that strengthen resilience, belonging, and holistic well-being.

This thought-provoking discussion will highlight practical strategies for leaders, managers, and HR professionals who want to go beyond addressing burnout and instead build healthier, more connected workplaces where people can truly thrive. From tackling disconnection in remote and hybrid settings to ensuring managers receive the support they need, this session is designed to provide actionable insights you can bring back to your own organization.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the key drivers of workplace loneliness and its impact on employee performance.
  • Explore the role of leadership, mentorship, and peer relationships in fostering connection and inclusion.
  • Identify strategies organizations can use to support both employees and managers in addressing stress, burnout, and mental health.

Speakers

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David Ko

CEO, Calm

David Ko is the CEO and serves on the Board of Directors of Calm, the leading app for sleep, meditation and mindfulness.  Before founding his own company that was acquired by Calm, David spent over a decade as a leading executive in healthcare.  He has been featured in TIME’s Leadership Brief,  named a LinkedIn “Top Voice” and one of RockHealth’s “Top 50 Leaders in Digital Health.”  

David was also the COO at Zynga, which he helped take public in December 2011. Prior to his work at Zynga, he spent 10 years at Yahoo! and currently serves on various boards at his alma mater, New York University Stern School of Business.

ohnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, is President and Chief Executive Officer of SHRM

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.

President and Chief Executive Officer of SHRM

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, is President and Chief Executive Officer of SHRM. A sought-after voice on all matters affecting work, workers and the workplace, Taylor was named a 2022 Top Voice in Company Culture by LinkedIn. The inaugural Top Voices in Company Culture list recognized Taylor for his work showcasing company culture. He frequently testifies before Congress on critical workforce issues. He also writes the weekly USA Today column, “Ask HR” and is the author of the national bestseller, RESET: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.

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Marjorie Morrison

Executive in Residence for Mental Health at SHRM

Marjorie is a visionary entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and licensed clinician with over 30 years of clinical and business experience. Recognized for her ability to identify challenges and implement strategic solutions, she has made transformative contributions to the mental health sector. Morrison developed a proactive counseling program for the U.S. Marine Corps that remains in use today and later founded PsychArmor Institute, a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to training civilians to better support Veterans. She then co-founded Psych Hub with Patrick J. Kennedy, scaling it into the world’s largest digital platform for mental health education—amassing over 1,500 resources and 30 million YouTube views—now expanded into a comprehensive marketplace that connects individuals to mental health care. A renowned thought leader, Morrison has spoken at over 300 national and international conferences, hosted 350+ podcast interviews with industry experts, and authored The Inside Battle: Our Military Mental Health Crisis. Her expertise has been widely featured in major media outlets and recognized through numerous industry awards. Morrison remains dedicated to reimagining mental health through innovative digital solutions that integrate clinical research with compelling storytelling. Her mission is to improve mental health access, education, and outcomes for individuals and organizations alike.