Workplace Wellness in Communications Starts With Trust, Flexibility and Clarity
As part of CommPRO’s ongoing focus on workplace wellness during Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked communications leaders a simple question:
What is one thing your organization is doing that genuinely improves workplace wellness?
The responses continue to reveal a profession navigating enormous change while trying to create healthier, more sustainable workplaces for communicators managing constant pressure, uncertainty and rapid transformation.
For many organizations, flexibility and access to meaningful support systems remain central themes.
Elizabeth Famiglietti, Chief People Officer at PAN Communications, points to the agency’s HyFlex+ model and mental health partnership with Curalinc as a major differentiator.
“It’s hard to point to just one thing, but if I had to, I’d say the biggest impact comes from our HyFlex+ model, paired with access to real mental health support through our partnership with Curalinc.
At a time when many companies are pushing for a return to the office, we’ve taken a different approach, and it’s working. Flexibility has been a game-changer for us. We trust our people to work where and how they’re most effective, and that’s taken a lot of unnecessary stress out of the day-to-day.
With our team spread across the globe, we’ve had to be very intentional about building connection. We’ve created regional communities and shared spaces that bring people together, foster local pride and make sure relationships don’t get lost in a remote environment.
At the same time, we know flexibility isn’t a cure-all. That’s why it was important to us to offer meaningful mental health resources. Having a partner like Curalinc gives our team access to support when they actually need it, in a way that’s private and easy to use.
As a people-first organization, we believe performance and well-being go hand in hand. When you create an environment where individuals feel supported, seen and trusted, you unlock better collaboration, stronger retention and more meaningful work.”
Another recurring theme emerging from the industry is the emotional impact of uncertainty, particularly around AI and the future of communications work.
Abby Bedecs, AI Strategist | AI Accelerator at Ruder Finn, says organizations need to address that uncertainty directly.
“This is an unprecedent moment for communicators. Stressful, maybe, but also so full of opportunity. One of the biggest factors I see impacting our mental wellness is uncertainty. With AI changing communications so quickly, many people are wondering how they will fit in next year, or in five years. But this is our chance to shape how organizations evolve and how they support their people through real, meaningful change.
Ruder Finn is addressing that head-on by investing in upskilling and practical AI training. Instead of avoiding the topic, the agency is helping employees understand how these tools apply to day-to-day work. That shift in mindset from abstract and intimidating to tangible and useable, makes a real difference, both in our work and personal skills, and for our peace of mind and confidence about our careers.
Through workshops, ongoing training, and real client integration, we’re building skills that evolve with the industry. The message is clear: while the work may change, it will always be there, and you’re not expected to figure this out alone.
That clarity reduces a lot of the background anxiety. It gives a sense of direction, which is critical for both confidence and overall workplace wellness, and turns a sense of uncertainty into a sense of opportunity.”
The communications industry has long been associated with fast-paced environments, high expectations and constant connectivity. But as these responses show, many organizations are beginning to recognize that workplace wellness is not just about benefits or policies. It’s about creating cultures where people feel trusted, prepared, supported and connected.
CommPRO invites additional comments and perspectives from both agency and in-house communications professionals throughout the month. Short comments (100 to 200 words) and longer thought leadership submissions (approximately 500 words) are welcome as part of this ongoing editorial series. Email editor@commpro.biz
