Prudential is a major international financial services group headquartered in London and Hong Kong, specialising in insurance, asset management and retirement solutions.
Reason for engagement
As one of the largest UK-listed companies and with more than 10,000 employees, Prudential is assessed and ranked in the CCLA Corporate Mental Health Benchmark – UK 100.
What we did
We have been engaging with the company on this theme since 2022 and have spoken to its representatives 15 times over the past four years. We have written annually to the company’s CEO on behalf of a sizeable investor coalition and the company has been assessed and ranked every year to track its performance.
Outcomes
Prudential was assessed as performance tier 3 (middle) in the benchmark in 2022 and 2023. In 2024 it moved to tier 2, before moving up to tier 1 (best) in 2025. Its score increased by 36 percentage points over that time, making it the sixth most improved company in the UK benchmark since 2022.
In order to achieve tier 1, the company first took steps to understand CCLA’s guidance. Representatives from the firm studied the benchmark, reviewed best practices and adapted them to fit Prudential’s culture. Where gaps existed, they found ways to close them. For example, the company introduced a programme to train line managers on workplace mental health and set clear targets on completion rates.
In addition, Prudential worked to navigate the complexities of the business. To gain the necessary buy-in internally, support was needed across business functions, including human resources, legal, investor relations, health and safety, and corporate affairs. It took many months of internal negotiations, but ultimately the company published a statement by the CEO in support of mental health.
Finally, the company went to great lengths to document its efforts, measure key outcomes, and tell a compelling story of strategic purpose and progress. All of these measures together worked to create an open and psychologically safe culture, free of stigma.
We are told that the impact has been both cultural and practical, changing how people think, speak and feel about mental health at Prudential. In the company’s words, ‘Three years ago, the word “mental” wasn’t used at all – it was considered too sensitive or taboo. Today, it’s no longer a scary word. Today, it’s part of everyday conversations. That shift reflects a deeper cultural change.’
Please note, Prudential not held in CCLA portfolios as at 31 December 2025.