70% of professionals in the media, marketing and creative sectors have experienced burnout in the past 12 months, according to the 2024 Mentally Healthy Survey.
This finding, in addition to other insights uncovered in the survey, brings to light the ongoing challenges in the media industry related to workload, expectations and the evolving nature of workplace environments.
Conducted by Never Not Creative and supported by The Mentally Healthy Change Group and UnLtd, this year’s survey gathered responses from over 2,000 professionals across Australia, New Zealand, the US and the UK.
The results indicate that while there have been some improvements in attitudes towards mental health, the prevalence of burnout and overall poor mental health remains a concern.
The study explored how working conditions post-Covid may affect levels of mental wellbeing. Flexible working environments proved to be the best for mental health, with those with a flexible working environment reporting the least amount of depression and anxiety.
There were modest differences between working environments with those working from home showing higher levels of depression (38% vs 33% for those working in an office), whilst for anxiety those working in an office showed higher levels (40%) compared to those working from home (31%).
It also highlighted generational differences, with younger professionals under 30 reporting significantly higher levels of anxiety.
While there were not significant numbers of participants who identified as non-male, non-white, non-hetero and non-leaders, there were signs of higher levels of depression and anxiety (52% reporting medium levels of anxiety vs 22% of male, white, hetero, leaders) – something that the group recognises needs to be explored further.
The study also showed the importance of inclusivity and understanding of neurodiversity with 10% of the industry identifying as neurodivergent (17% in creative industry).
Andy Wright, founder of Never Not Creative and co-chair of the Mentally Healthy Change Group, said: “Businesses have had varied approaches to going back to work after COVID, so work environment was a big area of focus for us this year.
“What appears to be best for employees from a wellbeing perspective is to give them choice. True flexibility correlates with lower signs of anxiety and depression.
“The burnout statistic was concerning and higher in the industry compared to Australian workers (70% in media, marketing and creative sectors vs 53% Australian workers*).”
Wright added: “It’s a clear indication that as an industry we often work hard, putting our work ahead of our own needs, but that means we need employers to put the necessary support structures and empathy levels around us to safeguard overall wellbeing.”
The systemic changes that were ranked highest in terms of improving mental wellbeing at work were commitment to better ways of working and exploring new processes, clearer role descriptions and feedback on performance, more diversity in leadership positions and more sustainable business models.
The full findings of the Mentally Healthy 2024 Survey will be published on the Never Not Creative website in coming weeks. They will be used to inform future initiatives by Never Not Creative, The Mentally Healthy Group and UnLtd, aimed at fostering healthier workplaces across the industry.
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
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MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
beyondblue: 1300 22 4636