Industry leaders + mental health experts tackle ‘return to workplace’ challenges in new ebook

The Mentally Healthy Change Group (MHCG), with support from social purpose organisation UnLtd and Never Not Creative, has launched a new ebook, ‘The Return to Workplace Guide for Adland’, to help the industry navigate the challenges of the new world of work and encourage mental wellbeing in the workplace.

The guide features advice, tips and inspiration from industry leaders and clinical experts on managing employee and self wellbeing and safety as we reemerge from WFH and return to the office.

Contributors to the book include Zenith Media CEO Nickie Scriven,Verizon Media managing director Paul Sigaloff, LinkedIn director of marketing solutions Prue Cox, SWM chief revenue officer Kurt Burnette, Ashton Media commercial director Tim Stuart-Harris, WellYou chief wellbeing officer Fleur Marks, PubMatic regional director Peter Barry, IPG CEO Mark Coad, PHD head of growth and marketing Chloe Hooper, former Thinkerbell GM Ben Shepherd, JustEggs Digital CEO Nik Kontoulas and Energx founder Sean Hall.

The guide book comes as a recent Q2 Media i survey revealed alarming concerns from across the industry about mental wellbeing and return-to-workplace perceptions, with findings showing:

• 25% of respondents cited high levels of anxiety, with a further 43% citing medium levels of anxiety.

• 25% of industry respondents admitted to high levels of stress, with a further 47% citing medium levels.

• Respondents from agencies indicated greater levels of stress than their media owner partners.

In conjunction with The Return to Workplace Guide, social enterprise MOOD Tea has partnered with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructors to offer a bespoke training package to the industry. The training course – delivered by Chloe Hooper, a qualified mental health first aid trainer and active member of the MHCG – not only equips the industry with knowledge and practical skills to recognise signs of mental ill-health, but also gives back to youth mental health initiatives.

Individuals or companies keen to get involved can register their expression of interest here.

Says Kate Holland, co-chair of the Mentally Healthy Change Group and account director at UnLtd: “As an industry that thrives on connection and collaboration, the pandemic has really shifted the way we engage and communicate together. With high levels of reported anxiety and angst on returning to the workplace, there was a need to find new measures in building reassurance and confidence in bridging these gaps.

“This new ebook is a great resource for those who are looking for guidance on being proactive given the current unpredictable climate. As an industry, we want to continue fostering a positive relationship with one another and continue breaking down the stigma of opening up and being vulnerable together about mental health.”

Says Chris Freel, CEO, UnLtd: “UnLtd will always advocate for mental health and support services across the media industry. It is important to see industry leaders band together for a great cause. At times like this true leadership comes to the forefront, we are all living in uncertain times, and the more we can open up, share our concerns and our tips, the more likely we are to ensure our amazing industry and its people can continue to thrive.

“It is really galvanising to see industry leaders band together for a great cause. With the right initiatives and incentives, it’s the smaller actions that can have the greater impact. It’s the one short conversation that can ultimately save a life.”

The Return to Workplace Guide for Adland ebook is available for free download here.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health and needs support, please contact:

Lifeline 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636