Burnout has been reported by 70% working in the media, marketing and creative sectors, according to the 2024 Mentally Healthy Survey.
The survey, by Never Not Creative and supported by The Mentally Healthy Change Group and UnLtd, gathered responses from more than 2,000 across Australia, New Zealand, the US and the UK.
The results show the prevalence of burnout and overall poor mental health remains a serious concern despite some
improvements in attitudes to mental health.
“It’s a clear indication that as an industry we often work hard, putting our work ahead of our own needs, but that means we need employers to put the necessary support structures and empathy levels around us to safeguard overall wellbeing," said Andy Wright, founder of Never Not Creative and co-chair of the Mentally Healthy Change Group.
“Contrary to what some may believe, this doesn’t mean you have to walk on eggshells around individual staff, but rather it requires leaders and managers to simply be fair with their people and make sure they’re listened to, their needs are understood and they receive good feedback and clear communication on how to progress.”
The study explored how working conditions post-COVID may affect levels of mental wellbeing.
Flexible working environments proved to be the best for mental health, with those with a flexible working environment reporting the least amount of depression and anxiety.
There were modest differences between working environments.
Those working from home had higher levels of depression (38%) versus for those working in an office (33%).
However, those in an office had higher levels (40%) of anxiety compared to working from home (31%).
It also highlighted generational differences, with professionals under 30 reporting significantly higher levels of anxiety.
While these younger workers are generally more accepting of mental health issues, they are less likely to seek help or speak out about their own experiences.
While there were not significant numbers of participants who identified as non-male, non-white, non-hetero and non-leaders, there were signs of higher levels of depression and anxiety (52% reporting medium levels of anxiety vs 22% of male, white, hetero, leaders).
The study also showed the importance of inclusivity and understanding of neurodiversity with 10% of the industry identifying as neurodivergent (17% in creative industry).
“Businesses have had varied approaches to going back to work after COVID, so work environment was a big area of focus for us this year," said Wright at Never Not Creative.
"What appears to be best for employees from a wellbeing perspective is to give them choice. True flexibility correlates with lower signs of anxiety and depression.
“The burnout statistic was concerning and higher in the industry compared to Australian workers (70% in media, marketing and creative sectors versus 53% Australian workers).”
The study also highlighted a need for better understanding of employer responsibilities with 51% of business leaders stating they were not aware of the recent Psychosocial Hazards Legislation and only 22% of the business reporting they had a clear plan for it.
The systemic changes that were ranked highest in terms of improving mental wellbeing at work were commitment to better ways of working and exploring new processes, clearer role descriptions and feedback on performance, more diversity in leadership positions and more sustainable business models.
When asked what individuals wanted to see from their workplace to improve their wellbeing, empathetic, educated leaders and leaders who lead by example came up on top, followed by appropriate company resources to deliver work, clear objectives and dealing effectively with bad behaviour.
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