Publicis NZ goes offline for mental health

AUCKLAND, Today: Publicis Groupe NZ agencies will go offline this Monday to encourage all its people to take a day off to rest, relax and recharge in recognition of World Mental Health Day which this year falls on Sunday 10 October.

Publicis Groupe ANZ chief talent officer Pauly Grant (Sydney-based) said: “This is the third year Publicis Groupe has offered the company-wide day as a signal of their commitment to the mental wellbeing of its people.

“Publicis is also revealing a new mental health policy that includes new time in lieu guidelines; changing personal and carer’s leave to ‘wellbeing leave’ to reflect the need to support both people’s physical and mental health; and further increasing its number of staff trained as mental health first aiders to a total of 107 across ANZ.

“We have made a collective, ongoing effort to make mental wellbeing a top priority as part of our organisation and culture.”

“Based on the company’s Whole Self philosophy, it creates programmes and initiatives that are aligned to three pillars of wellbeing: supporting people mentally, physically, and financially.

“We have made a collective, ongoing effort to make mental wellbeing a top priority as part of our organisation and culture – not only for one day or one month but habitually, in support of our people.

“We aim to reflect change in a way that is genuinely seen and experienced by our people at different touchpoints.

“It has never been more important to have in place a holistic framework that starts with breaking down the stigma of mental illness by encouraging open conversations, preventing discrimination and victimisation, and facilitating people’s active participation in a range of initiatives that support their personal and professional development.”

• www.mslgroup.com