The advertising industry is facing a talent crisis; from external pressures such as the rising cost of living and navigating out of the pandemic to internal pressures to deliver work when resource is finite, employees are facing challenges that place a severe strain on their mental health. Recent research from wellbeing charity for the advertising and media industry, NABS, has found that calls relating to mental health have increased by 15% YOY which shows the mental health crisis the industry faces is mounting.

The quarterly statistics from NABS show that its Advice Line now receives nearly twice as many calls YOY. The number one reason for calling NABS is for emotional support, which makes up almost half of total calls. Mental health accounts for 59% of these emotional support calls, with callers sharing significant concerns as they adapt to living with COVID and realising the longer-term impact that the last two years has had on their state of mind. 

The second and third reasons for contacting NABS are financial support (29%) and redundancy, which makes up 67% of all digital enquiries across NABS’ redundancy tool and SupportBot. The charity has also seen an increase of calls relating to bereavement which have jumped to 14% from 2% last year as people process the losses experienced during the pandemic. 

“Many people are contacting us with concerns relating to redundancy, confidence and career improvement following the last two years. As well as coaching, NABS can also provide financial grants to those wishing to upskill so do get in touch to see if you might be eligible.” said Uzma Afridi, Head of Careers, NABS.

NABS therapy referrals have gone up by 50% YOY as individuals seek urgent and structured support with their wellbeing.  

The charity has also revealed insights from Q1 showing some of the key topics and themes that have emerged during NABS Masterclasses (group coaching sessions) and NABS one-to-one coaching sessions that reflect some of the current challenges the industry faces.

In Masterclasses, the charity has noticed a heightened focus on; Resilience: building back up post-pandemic; managing home life and workload boundaries. Confidence: overcoming doubt of skills (often referenced as impostor syndrome) to see the bigger picture, and a focus on how to build rapport when starting roles in a hybrid or WFH set-up.  

In one-to-one sessions, the charity has seen a focus on setting up for success in new roles, navigating promotions, pay rises and feeling valued. People are also focused on how to build a career in which they feel present, authentic and empowered, which is likely a consequence of people reflecting during the pandemic on wanting more happiness and challenge from their roles. The charity also has seen people look to grow confidence following redundancy or working from home. 

Diana Tickell, CEO, NABS, who steps down from her role at the end of this month, says: “our stats clearly reveal that the pandemic has left its mark on the mental health of people across our industry. Our industry cannot ignore this upward trend. NABS is here to support everybody who is facing challenges with their wellbeing; if you’re struggling, please call us for help, whatever your issue.” 

To find out more or contact NABS please click here.