Working in this industry is good for our health – said no-one, ever
Adjusting what we choose to accept ‘as part of the industry’ could be the solution to its mental health problem, argues Andy Wright.
Could working in this industry be good for our health?
The first line I wrote for this article was actually, “is our industry bad for our health?” But I’ve promised myself, with everything that I’ve been doing recently, to try and find the positive in things, in order to find better solutions.
Looking into the crystal ball at future Mumbrella comments, I’m sure I’ll see something like:
Great initiative,
It would be interesting to see what happens to the research if opened up to ad agencies as well.
Well said !! I agree with all your points. This industry is a breeding ground for bullies. I have been diagnosed with anxiety & mental depression and the company conveniently blames it on my personal life. When you spent 80% of your day at work as if no triggers come from work!! My complaints regarding bullying, harassment, inappropriate behaviour by male staff has been brushed under the carpet saying that I was not a team player & that I need to sort my problems with a shrink!! Both my GP & psychologist had a good laugh when they heard the way the company reacted to my complaints. I have been even asked not to put any issues/complaints in writing!
If you’re current boss is genuinely dealing with your issues in this way then you need to be escalating the issue. They have a duty of care to their employees which is obviously being ignored.
I’ve proudly decided to never work in ‘agency’ as a creative again, or any organisation that prides itself on burnout and working long hours.
Frankly, I’d rather work for minimum wage in a supermarket.
If anyone tells me they work 60+ hours a week or at at their desks for 12 hours a day, I now tell them “and you’re proud of that?”. I could go on and on on the scientific evidence that proves they are not good at their jobs compared to someone who works a standard 8 hour day. They make more mistakes, they are less creative, and they are sending themselves to an early grave.
I truly hope many of the burnt out creatives manages to one day successfully sue these work places – maybe that will change the industry. These companies are no different to a sweat shop in Bangladesh. Sweat shops in developing countries may destroy people’s physical health, but these places destroy your mental health – which in turn leads to physical health problems.