Publicis Groupe today unveiled a new mental health policy for Australia and New Zealand.
It includes new Time in Lieu guidelines, changing Personal and Carer’s Leave to Wellbeing Leave to reflect the need to support both people’s physical and mental health; and increasing in staff trained as Mental Health First Aiders to 107.
Publicis also for the third year in a row will be taking a company-wide day off in Australia and New Zealand on Monday, October 11, in support of World Mental Health Day.
The company has also it has formally incorporated recommended standards set by industry organisation Mentally Healthy Change Group into its company policy.
Publicis made the annocunements as it was recognised as an Employer of Choice in The Australian Business Awards 2021.
Publicis Groupe ANZ CEO, Michael Rebelo: “Creating a work environment that our people feel is magnetic, inspiring and progressive is an ongoing pursuit.
"We will always have more work to do – reviewing, adapting and refining our strategies and approaches to create a connected culture that enables our people and clients to grow and succeed. That’s the leadership challenge for the modern-day workplace.”
The company is also launching the Thrive leadership program, in partnership with Facebook Australia and human performance company, Energx.
Thrive, which launched as a pilot program to support its Melbourne staff during last year’s extended lockdown, has been further developed to focus on training an initial group of ANZ Publicis managers. Thrive will take a data-led approach to devising team wellbeing plans to help prevent burnout, and also positively impact clients.
Pauly Grant, Publicis Groupe ANZ’s Chief Talent Officer says that based on the company’s Whole self philosophy, it creates programs and initiatives that are aligned to three pillars of wellbeing: supporting people mentally, physically, and financially.
“We have made a collective, ongoing effort to make mental wellbeing a top priority as part of our organisation and culture– not only for one day or one month but habitually, in support of our people. We aim to reflect change in a way that is genuinely seen and experienced by our people at different touch points," says Grant.
“It has never been more important to have in place a holistic framework that starts with breaking down the stigma of mental illness by encouraging open conversations, preventing discrimination and victimisation, and facilitating people’s active participation in a range of initiatives that support their personal and professional development."
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