With 1 in 4 people in the UK experiencing a mental health problem each year, many businesses are waking up to the need to make employee wellbeing a business priority.
In the advertising industry, where high pressure, long hours and tales of burnout are commonplace, the need is perhaps especially pressing.
At MediaCom EMEA - Europe’s biggest media agency - CEO Josh Krichefski has made mental health a key focus, embracing a scheme in which staff openly share their mental health experiences across the company.
“It’s helped break down barriers and create a vibe that it’s okay to talk,” says Josh in the latest episode of Out Of Office, a short series about big change from Google.
In Josh’s film — one of eight being shared by the Marketing Society, featuring key industry thought-leaders in places you might not expect — he explains why giving staff space and flexibility is essential but that shouldn’t mean emailing colleagues after 7pm.
Watch now for more insights of value to every marketer from an industry veteran of 20 years plus.
Out Of Office video series: U.K. agency leaders talk industry change
The agency and advertising landscape is in flux – but where some see disruption, others see opportunity. These are the game changers, industry shapers, and trailblazers. Introducing our new ‘Out Of Office’ series, in which we interview industry leaders about what’s next for agencies, advertising and brands.
Posting nine consecutive years of market growth, and with ad spend of £23.6 billion last year1, the U.K. agency ecosystem is undoubtedly one of the strongest in the world.
But those figures are only half of the story. New technology and social change has required global and boutique agencies alike to innovate and rethink their culture, strategy and even the business models they operate on. The industry's growth and success is built on a picture of new ways of working, an increased focus on diversity and balancing the relationship between data, technology and creativity.
Out Of Office is a documentary series about these changes – these agency leaders, with a little help from Google, are the pioneers for driving this change, helping agencies to adapt and grow at a pivotal time for the advertising industry.
Tune in every Wednesday on Think with Google to watch some of the biggest names in the U.K. agency landscape, to learn more about their journeys and passions, and for unique insights on a fast-changing industry.
Episode 1: Annette King, CEO, Publicis Groupe (6 Nov)
Why agencies succeed by putting people first
Annette is at Petersham Nurseries to discuss embracing creativity, the role of flexible working, and putting people first.
Episode 2: Daniel Gilbert, CEO, Brainlabs (13 Nov)
Why the old rules don’t work anymore
Daniel is rethinking the concept of a work-life balance, the rapid shift in marketing and the rules of TV advertising, at The London Science Museum.
Episode 3: Philippa Brown, CEO, PHD Worldwide (20 Nov)
Why change is on every client’s agenda
Philippa discusses balancing the relationship between data, technology and education at Google’s Digital Garage in Manchester.
Episode 4: Thomas Byrne, EVP of Merkle (27 Nov)
Why an agency is nothing more than its culture
Tom heads to the StolenSpace Gallery, London, to discuss why a strong agency culture will deliver for clients and consumers alike.
Episode 5: Karen Blackett OBE, U.K. country manager of WPP (4 Dec)
Why representing modern Britain is critical for business growth
Karen discusses creativity, consumer change, and how diversity is critical for growth, at Chiswick House & Gardens, London.
Episode 6: Rob Pierre, CEO of Jellyfish (11 Dec)
Why the advertising ecosystem doesn’t always require agencies
Rob is at his own MBER restaurant and bar to reflect on how Jellyfish is moving from traditional agency model to one of a ‘digital partner’ to brands.
Episode 7: Josh Krichefski, CEO, MediaCom EMEA (8 Jan)
Why it’s okay not to be okay
Adapting to new demands from clients, championing mental health in the workplace, and utilising the best of Google’s technology, are some of the topics covered by Josh at 3 Tribes yoga studio.