The CIPR will host a tweet chat on mental health in public relations, in support of Mental Health Awareness Week, on Wednesday 15 May.
The hour-long tweet chat kicks off at 12:30pm and will feature insight from Emma Mamo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing at the mental health charity Mind. The tweet chat forms part of a series of initiatives from the CIPR aimed at addressing the mental health challenges facing PR professionals.
This year’s State of the Profession research revealed around a quarter (23%) of PR practitioners have taken sickness absence from work on the grounds of stress, anxiety or depression. More than a fifth (21%) of respondents said they had a diagnosed mental health condition and over half (53%) said work contributed highly to their diagnosis, with unrealistic deadlines and unsociable hours cited as common causes.
Worryingly, the report revealed a significant number of line-managers fail to address mental health concerns amongst employees. Almost a quarter (23%) of respondents who discussed concerns about their mental health with a manager said that nothing happened as a result of those conversations.
This year’s State of the Profession report highlighted the scale of the mental health challenge facing the PR industry. As communicators, it’s our responsibility to encourage open dialogue on mental health and help employers to develop best practice policies that meet the needs of staff.
Rachel Royall Chart.PR MCIPR, Chair of CIPPR Health
It is in everyone’s best interests to support good mental and physical health: a happier and healthier workforce will be more productive, have reduced sickness and retain skilled talent. I’d like to thank Emma and Mind for helping us spotlight these crucial issues for members.
