28-05-2025
It's time we talk about mental health in agency life
May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a timely reminder on the importance of mental well-being, especially for those working in public relations and social media, where pressure comes with the territory.
The vitality of always being 'on' is frequently balanced by the weight of client expectations, tight deadlines and reactive demands. While a fast pace is the industry norm, it does not have to come at the expense of one's well-being.
There are various approaches that can be implemented by different organisations to support their employees. For example, at Seven Media, we've discovered methods to manage that intensity more sustainably – through a combination of flexibility, structure and a culture that prioritises people.
According to recent Stanford research, hybrid working not only improves retention but also enhances productivity by 25 per cent, which is why we have adopted flexible working practices, such as work-from-home Fridays.
The shift is part of a larger attitude. Mindfulness and a focus on mental health cannot be a passing fad that occurs every May.
Consistent wellbeing must be built into the culture of any business, helping to maintain balance throughout the year. This proactive approach has been backed by data published in Nature, which show that hybrid timetables do not impede performance, but rather sustain it.
A strong culture that promotes productivity and allows for open discussions around how individuals truly feel is fundamental for development and there should be regular opportunities for staff to broaden their horizons and enhance their skills by undertaking strategy training sessions and workshops. After all, they're essential for helping people grow personally and professionally.
Leadership is also critical. At Seven Media, progress takes priority over perfection, with leaders establishing clear boundaries and demonstrating the value of relaxation and clarity. Breaks, even if they are only five minutes' long, are embraced as a natural part of the day, rather than a guilty halt, as strategy, consistency and inventiveness will always prevail over reactivity and exhaustion.
For those starting out in PR or social media, my advice is simple: speak up early. The work will always exist, but the most effective teams are built on openness rather than overextension. Agency existence does not have to imply operating on empty. With the correct setting, support and intention, it has the potential to be a place in which people can thrive.
The industry's pace may not change, but how we support those who work in it certainly may. And the shift is not only welcome, but long needed.
By Sharan Sunner, Managing Director of Seven Media.
