‘It’s Okay Not To Be Okay’: How Understanding Its Culture and Context Helped International Paper Shape Its Mental Health Strategy
In December 2025, Business Roundtable and the SHRM Foundation released the third in a series of case studies detailing how large U.S. employers are addressing employee mental health and well-being. The Roundtable, SHRM, the SHRM Foundation and Stand Together launched the case study series this year during Mental Health Awareness Month.
The case study focuses on International Paper’s approach to improve employee mental health, which includes three key strategies:
- Understanding its workplace culture and context;
- Simplifying access to mental health support; and
- Empowering managers as the first line of defense.
Background
The case study series is a part of the Roundtable’s Mental Health Initiative, a CEO-led effort to promote and support employee mental health. This series is also part of Stand Together’s broader effort to highlight innovative employer practices that build cultures of mental health and well-being — creating environments where people are empowered to reach their potential, contribute meaningfully and find fulfilling work.
The series also includes:
“In many of our facilities, we are the sole employer in the area. Our workforce largely consists of rural shift workers who are the heart and soul of their communities. There’s often a perception that you must be strong — for your family, your community, your shift line and your crew.”
Nicole Cody
Vice President of Total Rewards, International Paper
“International Paper first had to recognize the ‘grin and bear it’ culture within its workforce and mental health stigma in its industry. With this understanding, the company tailored solutions to meet employees where they are, including making resources easier to access. Every company’s mental health strategies are individual to their workforces, and these case studies provide insights for other C-suite leaders to help advance their efforts.”
Dane Linn
Senior Vice President of Corporate Initiatives, Business Roundtable
“What International Paper is doing — understanding the larger community context in which each of its facilities and workers exists, so that mental healthcare can be more responsive and impactful — is a model for success that business of all sizes can take to heart. SHRM Foundation is pleased to have partnered with Business Roundtable, International Paper and Stand Together to amplify this model for more companies all across the country.”
Wendi Safstrom
Presient, SHRM Foundation