In support of World Mental Health Day, Publicis Groupe Australia and New Zealand today announced it will close its doors for the day on October 10 and their 1,800 employees of the marketing, communication and digital transformation group will be given the day off.
Michael Rebelo, CEO, Publicis Groupe ANZ, said: “Publicis Groupe is absolutely committed to ensuring our people can thrive in a mentally healthy workplace.”
Publicis Groupe ANZ’s Next Generation Board’s aim is to create a positive community impact by identifying and addressing social initiatives that intersect with the business.
Michael Rebelo, CEO, Publicis Groupe ANZ
The program also includes quarterly happiness health check surveys used to develop wellness initiatives, mental health first aid training, an employee assistance program, and a broader series of events leading up to 10 October. This includes yoga, meditation and boxing classes for staff; as well as ongoing initiatives throughout the year.
The mental health program covers Publicis Groupe’s businesses including Arc, Digitas, Digitas Affinity ID, Herd MSL, Leo Burnett, Marcel, MBM, MercerBell, Performics, Prodigious, Publicis Sapient, Publicis Sport & Entertainment, Saatchi & Saatchi, Spark Foundry, Starcom and Zenith.
“The happiness and health of our people is paramount to Publicis Groupe, and we wanted to give our people the day to reflect and focus on their own mental health,” said Pauly Grant, Chief Talent Officer, Publicis Groupe ANZ.
Publicis Groupe Next Generation Board member Bianca Wallis said the mental health program was inspired by research from the social purpose organisation UnLtd and Publicis Groupe ANZ’s own staff surveys.