We asked. Agencies answered.

How does your agency support employees' mental health and help combat burnout?

BarkleyOKRP supports a variety of flex PTO options for teams and maintains an office-first and flexible expectation. We are investing in our resourcing and operations teams as well as our technologies to systematically look at workflow across the agency. We are an organization that supports working parents and provides easy back policies for those returning from leave as well as adoption assistance. Lastly, we recognize that working hours differ for our people, and encourage managers to set clear expectations on creating as flexible and efficient a work environment as possible.

Natalie Sutton, VP of Human Resources

As an employee-owned agency, we understand deadlines and on-demand creativity can lead to burnout. As an Ad Age 2024 Best Places to Work—our proven multi-pronged team support approach includes a three-day in-office hybrid schedule, unlimited paid time off and working remotely as needed (or on our deck overlooking the Mississippi). Our Thrive Culture includes free YMCA memberships, running/biking groups and in-office showers, ad sports leagues, the popular NYTimes group-lunch crossword, Thursday Happy Hours, and counter-intuitively—taking on 3-5 pro-bono clients annually, both to do community good and give teams a vehicle to more freely express their creativity.

Jennifer Spire, CEO/Partner

TRG has several initiatives to help employees combat workplace burnout. We prioritize employee well-being by creating an inclusive culture where employees feel comfortable expressing concerns, seeking support and creating lasting connections through We@TRG (our community of affinity and activity groups).

Employees have 24/7 access to the Optum Employee Assistance Program and Grouper Care, which offers mental, crisis, and financial support. We recently partnered with the Calm app to provide tools to help employees and their families reduce stress and anxiety, sleep better and live happier and healthier lives. We also offer flexible time off and an on-site workout facility.

Nikki Wilson, Chief People Officer

We prioritize employee well-being and offer the following to keep our Associates feeling their best:

- Professional Development: We invest in Associate growth through mentorship, coaching, and training programs.

- Mental & Physical Wellness: We offer free access to the CALM app with mindfulness exercises, meditations and online meditation classes. We also offset the cost of gym memberships or fitness classes.

- Work-Life Balance: We fully support taking time off to recharge. Our FTO policy allows Associates to relax and come back feeling refreshed.

- Employee Resource Groups: We have many ERGs at the Agency that bring together individuals based on shared characteristics or experiences.

By fostering a supportive work environment, we aim to empower our Associates to thrive both personally and professionally.

Brett Bender, EVP/Chief Operating Officer

Our employees’ favorite announcement is: “WOW, that was so crazy, let’s take a three-day weekend!”  Marketing Doctor employees report that an extra day added to any weekend is the best way to combat burnout after an avalanche of chaos and special efforts. Of course, like most, we offer flexible work schedules, remote work options, snacks, parties, pizza, and regular mental health days. Agency life is just especially crazy with no end in sight, so keeping a sense of our overall tipping point is important.

Janet Casey, CEO/Founder

Being a fully remote agency gives our team the flexibility to work however and wherever they want. But that also means we need to take extra steps to check in with our people from afar. That’s why our Program Manager (essentially our Chief Burnout Officer) keeps a close eye on individual workloads and project deadlines and helps us maintain a good balance. And building a supportive culture with positive reinforcement is huge for us: from unlimited PTO (because we trust our folks to take breaks when they need them) to celebrating Weekly Wins at our agency’s weekly all-hands Zoom call.

Great creative comes from people who feel inspired and motivated to do great work. We’ve tried to build a company culture to foster that kind of creative energy and avoid burnout. To keep the creative batteries charged, we offer Launch team members an all-expenses paid industry seminar or retreat. Launchers have traveled to SXSW, digital conferences, AI film school and more. Feeling encouraged is another important way to keep people motivated. We use the Bonusly recognition program to give each other virtual high-fives for doing an awesome job. Bonusly rewards can be used on Amazon, Starbucks and more.

Dave Wilgus, Co-Founder/Principal

At Obsidianworks, one of our values is human empathy, ensuring our people are at their best before a project starts and when a project ends. We encourage PTO, mental health days and work with each other to properly backfill. Managers maintain constant communication, proactively offering recovery days after intense work periods. Leadership is committed to assigning work that aligns with employees' passions, boosting energy and satisfaction. We foster a supportive culture with wellness programs, social events, and team outings to recharge and maintain well-being.

Want to be in the spotlight? Contact Jon Hickey.