The pandemic set to have a long-lasting impact on the mental health of Adlanders

Despite the recent optimistic usage of the words ‘post-pandemic’, the impact of the past eighteen months is due to long outlast any lockdowns, gone or to come.

The feelings of stress, pressure and low mood are widespread across the industry; but adlanders can find some solace in the fact they are not alone.

According to NABS, emotional support made up 35% of calls to the NABS Advice Line with mental health, work pressures, low mood and confidence cited as the main reasons for seeking support.

The research suggests that the industry is set to experience a strong final quarter but as work piles back up and ways of working remain in flux, the current situation is a strain on people’s mental health.

People: the industry’s most precious resource

Whilst the journey out of the pandemic proves to be a turbulent one, the wellbeing of talent should be of the utmost importance to the industry. Research shows that individuals are taking more time to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing, evidenced in the fact that take-up in NABS masterclasses (group coaching sessions) has increased significantly at 24%, as people seek connection with others, as well as the tools they need to build back confidence and resilience.

These masterclasses touch on some of the key themes of concern for adlanders such as signs of stress and overwhelm, managing workload, lost confidence during lockdown, speaking up, setting boundaries and wellbeing needs arising.

Diana Tickell, CEO, NABS, says: “The prevalence of Covid is causing extra stress for individuals, whether they’re carrying extra workloads or juggling their return to office with complex home responsibilities. People need our clear and practical help now to support their wellbeing.” 

With more and more individuals prioritising their own mental health, referrals to NABS therapy services for counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy have increased by 50% in the last two months. 

Uzma Afridi, head of careers, NABS, says that people have turned to group coaching as a way of getting much-needed social contact, as well as essential support and guidance, following so much isolation.  She explains, “the huge take-up in NABS’ masterclasses in Q3 reflects the industry’s need to build up their wellbeing and learn crucial skills while reconnecting with others. Resilience and confidence have been at a low during the pandemic and NABS is at the front line when it comes to boosting adlanders back up again.” 

“The main themes in our bespoke coaching sessions include overwhelm, workload, how to approach hybrid working and how to manage teams. NABS sees all of these as essential factors that contribute to wellbeing and it’s our purpose to help people navigate these challenges with increased confidence and self-belief,” says Uzma. 

Meanwhile, the pandemic has also heightened a need for financial support and increased the strain on parents. Financial support calls are the second-highest reason for calling NABS at 31%, with people seeking advice on debt and financial management. And digital delivery methods reached 136% more working parents, with masterclasses and talks covering subjects including work-life balance, parental guilt, wellbeing and developing a personal brand. 

For those experiencing financial struggles, the charity encourages people to apply as early as possible for its upskilling and support grants in order to give themselves the best chance of securing funds, before reaching crisis point. 

“While the industry is entering a reportedly strong Q4, with recruitment on the rise, the long-term emotional impact of the pandemic on employees requires urgent attention,” explains Tickell.