Healthier minds over deadlines: How PR & Comms sector is building a healthier work future

Burnout, exhaustion, and endless deadlines have long been synonymous with the world of PR and communications. It is described as a 24x7 industry that thrives on high-stakes crises, reputation building, stakeholder expectations, and the pressure to always be “on” that leaves a little room to pause. However, amid this intensity, the pages are now turning and leaders are making conscious efforts to rewrite this narrative.

From large agencies to in-house teams, leaders are taking concrete steps to make mental health a priority. From instituting dedicated wellbeing programs to redefining workplace culture, the focus is no longer just on campaigns or client deliverables, but on the people behind them.

As we mark World Mental Health Day, the industry comes full circle to ask an essential question: How can we protect the people who shape brands, manage crises, and tell the world’s stories?

The shift from hustle culture to human culture

Nikhil Pavithran, COO, Kaizzen, explains, “Wellness can’t be a token initiative or a one-day drive, it must be built into how we lead, plan, and operate. We’re witnessing a generational shift. Professionals are no longer drawn to environments that glorify burnout. They seek ecosystems that foster sustainable growth, without losing balance or clarity. This change is healthy for the industry and is helping build systems that value consistency and well-being as much as creativity and results.”

In regard to this, Tehseen Zaidi, Communications Specialist- Syngenta Group -IT Digital, Syngenta Group highlights, “We often talk about performance, goals, and results but none of it is possible without wellbeing. As our CEO Jeff Rowe shared in his World Mental Health Day message, ‘Wellbeing is where success truly begins.’ At Syngenta Group, this belief defines who we are — where caring for our people and supporting mental wellbeing are non-negotiable.”

For Namita Narula, Head of Corporate Communications at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, mental health moves from the margins to the core of workplace culture. “In today’s fast-changing landscape of work, where technology, expectations, and ways of communication are constantly evolving, mental health can no longer be an afterthought — it must be a core part of how we build and sustain our workplaces,” she said.

How industry is setting the new narrative

In a profession that’s ever evolving and rarely stops moving, some agencies are learning the power of stillness. On World Mental Health Day, Zeno Group set an inspiring example by closing its offices globally to help their employees clear their minds, rest and reset.

“It’s a little reminder that caring for ourselves is part of doing great work. Let’s continue to choose connection, compassion, and being kind to our minds — today and every day,” Zeno Group LinkedIn post states.

This October, Syngenta celebrated Wellbeing Month under the theme “Winning starts with Wellbeing.” Through its Ways to Wellbeing program and continuous, year-round support, the company is contributing to help every colleague protect and enhance their mental health. As their message beautifully captures, “Because when we invest in ourselves, we’re ready for what’s next at work and beyond.”

Nikhil shares that at Kaizzen mental health is considered as a core leadership responsibility. “We’ve consciously developed frameworks that help teams pursue ambition while preserving balance, alongside an open-door culture that enables honest, two-way dialogue across all levels of the organisation. We’ve introduced a dedicated helpline for employees facing mental health challenges, and any consultation with licensed therapists is fully borne by the organisation,” he further adds.

Moreover, Percept Ltd used creative storytelling to highlight mental health challenges through their short film Avsaad, “On #WorldMentalHealthDay, here’s a #throwback to Percept Pictures’ powerful short film ‘Avsaad’. The film sheds light on Depression — a mental health challenge affecting over 300 million people worldwide. Through poignant poetry and stark visuals, it captures the inner world of a young girl battling depression, reflecting her constant internal struggle and the reality of living with this condition,”

Key elements of a mentally healthy workplace

Veteran communications leader Roma Balwani, Independent Director & Co-Founder, RB Foundation ties this to the larger theme of World Mental Health Day 2025: Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.

She underscores, “Wellness & well-being is becoming more & more crucial in today’s BANI (brittle, anxious, non-linear, and incomprehensible) world and aptly the theme this year is ‘Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.’ Let’s look at the communications sector which provides the necessary platforms to employees within the company & stakeholders to be able to share their grievances, build support groups and all it takes is empathy, compassion & a listening ear to be able to detect & prevent crisis at the workplace.”

Namita describes the need for empathetic leadership and illustrated that mental well-being thrives when employees know they can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of judgment. Open communication, reducing stigma, and active listening can transform a team’s trust and energy.

“The second pillar is psychological safety — where individuals feel safe to express concerns and ask for help without hesitation. This is vital in an industry defined by high pressure and creative demands. Finally, flexibility and inclusion are key. Supporting mental health means understanding diverse needs and ensuring everyone feels included and empowered.” Narula accentuates.

The PR & communications industry is evolving at a fast pace, with success now measured not by deadlines, but by the well-being and happiness of its people.