Workplace wellness: mental health takes center stage at work and TWSC 

Published

This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day – ‘It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace’ – underscores the essential role emotional well-being plays in professional settings and the importance in of supporting employees throughout the year. Leading mental health advocacy group Project Healthy Minds reports 615 million people worldwide are living with a mental health condition yet 60% of those do not get the support they need. Beyond the detriment to those individuals, the absence of mental health support leads to an estimated $1 trillion in costs to the global economy from lost productivity due to depression and anxiety.

 

Back in 2022, The Weber Shandwick Collective launched a global partnership with Project Healthy Minds (PHM) to continue to strengthen our approach. Last year, we held workshops with 150+ of our most senior global leaders on how they can help support a mentally healthy workforce. In 2024, we took this a step further, conducting focus groups to gather TWSC employees’ perspectives on mental health, partnering with our United Minds (UM) colleagues to facilitate these groups and working with the PHM team on analyzing the findings and helping us to develop recommendations.

 

All TWSC employees also have access to Headspace, a subscription service which includes an extensive library of meditations and talks as well as access to monthly live 30-minute meditations and quarterly workshops to help support mental health. Additionally, our employees have access to a variety of resources to tap into and activities to participate in around the globe:

 

  • Across EMEA and APAC, TWSC works with the organization This Can Happen to tailor initiatives that meet the needs of employees on topics such as dealing with anxiety, insomnia and menopause – and how to support those affected.
  • Our APAC teams  year-round focus on ways to enable employees to have their whole selves thrive in the workplace. At the beginning of the year, they launched a partnership with Intellect, a Singapore-based wellness platform offering access to comprehensive mental healthcare across 20 countries in Asia. Our China office provides massages to employees to help relieve work-related tension and offer outside-the-office excursions ranging from local lunchtime park outings to organized hiking trips. Our Japan team is celebrating World Mental Health Day with a morning yoga session on October 10th at Shiba Park near the Tokyo Tower, a landmark that holds special memories for the team.
  • In EMEA, our teams have been engaged as well around this cause. Our UK team is holding an event with speaker, poet, author, rap artist and mental health advocate Shocka to discuss mental health charity Beyond and tackling the growing mental health crisis affecting young people in the UK.
  • In North America, our teams come together regularly as part of the Time to Connect Series led by Global Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Judith Harrison. These calls provide dedicated time to examine complex social issues and their effect on our employees, enabling us to come together in more profound and impactful ways.
  • This month in NA, we’re also partnering with LDC Wellbeing for The Art of Listening, an interactive workshop on effective listening to equip our people with powerful techniques to truly connect with colleagues.

 

Like so many other annual holidays, World Mental Health Day is just one day but the focus for our teams – and across our organization – is to make this cause a year-round priority.

“I’ve always been passionate about supporting mental health in the workplace because a supportive, healthy environment helps people thrive both professionally and personally. When employees feel mentally supported, they can bring their best (and most authentic) selves to work, creating a culture of well-being and success.” – Margaret Aprison, VP, Analytics and member, equitABLE
"To show up authentically for clients and colleagues, it’s essential to know you’re in a space that celebrates every aspect of your identity. When I made the decision to come out at work, I found better balance in my life, and supporting the Q+ community and being supported by them has shown me that many others are on the same journey." - Austin John Bald, Senior Vice President, Client Experience, dna and Co-Chair Q+ - New York City
“A huge amount of our time is spent in the workplace and the reality is that leaving things at the door is rarely possible or healthy, so ensuring there is a support network at work is vital. When I joined the Collective, I was in admiration of the positive and open approach the business had to the mental wellbeing conversation – a culture which I have leant on when I’ve needed it and look to carry forward and elevate as a Mental Health First Aider.” - Rhys Blanchard, Manager, Media Relations, Manchester
“My supportive colleagues and the mental health resources provided empowered me to seek help and set healthy boundaries, and now I advocate for others to do the same.” - Wendy Boey, Senior Manager, People Projects, APAC; member of Champions of Change & Mental Wellbeing Advocate
“I'm grateful for TWSC’s business resource groups like AFIRE, where AAPI employees can come together to support each other’s mental health during challenging times, while also offering a space to celebrate victories together. This network has been vital in helping me stay mentally grounded, especially through such unprecedented moments.” – Jon Chavez, Associate Creative Director and member, AFIRE – Washington, DC
“Without mental health, even the brightest day might feel like a complete nightmare and the happiest moments might just be hell on earth. Being able to talk about mental health challenges and normalising the struggles many of us experience during different times in our lives might not take the personal issue away, but it is important to feel understood and cared for.” - Larissa von Detten, Account Director, Current Global, Netherlands
“I believe that a mentally healthy and balanced team is the foundation of everything we can do and achieve at Weber Shandwick. That's why I promote mental health within the company to create an environment where we can be open about our struggles, where it's okay to not be okay, and where we can work together to find ways to restore our personal well-being.” - Susann Kobs - People Partner, Germany
“I believe it's crucial for workplaces to foster a culture which encourages open conversations about mental health and wellbeing. By being available and promoting empathy and attentiveness towards our colleagues, especially when they seem out of sorts, we can cultivate a happier and more supportive work environment.” - Emily Mitchell, Head of Crisis and ER, Scotland
“I know how important it is for people to feel supported and understood. By prioritizing mental well-being, we can help reduce stress and foster a culture of inclusivity and support.” - Sofia Martinez Novoa, Manager, Media Relations, Healthcare, LIGA member/leadership team - Boston
"Being a part of the Champions of Change is very close to my heart because I believe no one should feel alone in their struggles, especially at work. At Weber Shandwick, I’ve experienced firsthand what it means to be truly supported, knowing that mental well-being isn't just a checkbox but a shared priority that drives both our humanity and our work." - Priya Thosani, Senior Designer; member of Champions of Change and Mental Health Advocates group - Singapore