NEW YORK–(COMMERCIAL WIRE)–Today, PRSA-NY announced the 2022 State of Mental Health in Public Relations Report with Honan Strategy Group, a data-driven strategic research and communications firm, to understand how PRSA-NY members are dealing with your mental health and determine resources to help professionals working in the industry.
The 2022 State of Mental Health in Public Relations Report revealed that there is an acute mental health issue among PRSA-NY members, but also the nature of working in the public relations industry. Beyond dealing with the pandemic on a personal level, those working in the profession have been on the front lines helping organizations and businesses address and respond to the pandemic. As a result, this has created an additional layer of mental health challenges and complexities for public relations professionals. Key findings include:
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Two out of five PRSA-NY members say they feel pressure and/or anxiety about their jobs every day.
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A third of PRSA-NY members say they feel pressure and/or anxiety a few times a week, and nearly one in five say they feel this way a few times a month.
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79% of PRSA-NY members agree that they feel anxious and uncertain about the future.
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68% of PRSA-NY members agree that COVID-19 is hopefully coming to an end, but they still bear emotional scars.
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54% of PRSA-NY members agree that while they’re generally doing well these days, they don’t feel like they’re in a good “headspace.”
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69% of PRSA-NY members agree that information from stress and anxiety experts and specialized psychiatrists or psychologists would be helpful.
“Despite the various commitments we have seen focused on employee mental health and wellness, the current state of the industry shows that companies and agencies must do more to preserve the future of public relations,” said Aaron Kwittken. , president of PRSA-NY. “There is an acute mental health issue that has been exacerbated by the pandemic, social justice issues, and ongoing political unrest. As leaders begin planning for 2023, mental health must be at the top of their organizational agenda.”
The survey is one of many measures that are part of PRSA-NY’s ongoing commitment to promoting mental health and wellness among members. In addition to the survey, PRSA-NY also launched a mental health wellness center and established his first Mental Health Subcommittee, which strives to bring mental health to the forefront of the public relations industry and provide chapter members with activities, content, and other opportunities to prioritize their wellness. The subcommittee is comprised of Jason Abrams, senior public relations manager for Amtrak; Amanda Anderson, communications and public relations professional; Matthew Hirsch, Director of Strategic Brand Communications, Pernod Ricard USA; and Sarah Smith, Director of Media Relations and Social Media for Weill Cornell Medicine.
“Our new survey underscores the importance of mental health in the profession and why more resources should be made available to professionals navigating today’s complex business landscape. The role of public relations has evolved significantly during the pandemic, and with these changes, our industry must also evolve to meet employee wellness demands,” said Jason Abrams, chair of the PRSA-NY Subcommittee on Mental Health.
A total of 75 online survey interviews were conducted, in parallel with previous surveys conducted by or on behalf of PRSA-NY. Honan Strategy Group completed the fieldwork between April 21St. and June 16the, 2022 among PRSA-NY Members. To see the full report, visit www.prsany.org/mentalhealthreport.
About PRSA-NY
For 75 years, the New York chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is one of the oldest, largest and most prominent public relations chapters in the country. Located in the media capital of the world, it offers high-level professional development, networking, mentorship and awards. PRSA-NY serves communication professionals in agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and government, as well as independent professionals. For more information on PRSA-NY Upcoming events, tutoring program, job boards, volunteer opportunitiesY membership detailsto go prsany.org.
About Honan Strategy Group
Honan Strategy Group (HSG) is a strategic communications and opinion research firm that works with corporations, consumer brands, public affairs and advocacy groups to help address their clients’ pressing business challenges. Using traditional market research and cutting-edge data analytics, Honan Strategy Group helps our clients make sound data-driven decisions, whether in the area of messaging testing, branding, corporate reputation, ad testing, or leadership. intellectual. Honan Strategy Group prides itself on offering our clients highly personalized strategic services, with senior leadership involved in all aspects of an engagement. Learn more at www.honanstrategy.com.
