The Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (Global Alliance) today announced a new collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO)’s QualityRights initiative, strengthening the Global Alliance’s 2025 commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing within the public relations and communications industry.
The announcement comes as January’s Health & Wellbeing Month draws to a close. To mark the occasion, Global Alliance will host a free global webinar on the 30th of January, which is open to all public relations and communication professionals. The event will coincide with the release of the Global Alliance’s How We Are Working Mental Health and Wellbeing Snapshot Report (Snapshot Report). This report highlights the critical challenges faced by PR professionals and the need for systemic change.
“Public Relations professionals are now facing unprecedented challenges,” said Professor Justin Green, Global Alliance President and CEO. “Our Snapshot Report confirms this, and we must act now to ensure mental health is recognized and addressed across the industry. Our collaboration with WHO QualityRights is a major step forward. In 2025, the Global Alliance is committed to setting a global benchmark and supporting our members to advance this critical commitment.”
Ana Pista, president and CEO of Ardent Communications (ArdentComm) and a newly appointed director at Global Alliance, agreed, saying, “The pressure on Filipino PR professionals is truly immense. In fact, a 2023 report by the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) noted that the ‘rising epidemic of mental health crisis‘ in the country is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address mental health within all sectors, including public relations.”
Key findings from the Global Alliance Snapshot Report
The Snapshot Report provides a concerning glimpse into the mental health struggles of public relations professionals, though it does not yet represent a comprehensive global picture.
Key findings include:
- 78% of Public Relations professionals report high stress.
- 46% of Public Relations professionals note worsening mental health in the past year.
- 64% say their organizations lack adequate mental health support.
- Only 32% feel comfortable discussing mental health at work.
- More than 50% cite unrealistic deadlines, client demands, and poor work-life balance as key stressors.
Jennifer Muir, Chair of Health & Wellbeing Month and a Global Alliance Board Member, reflected on this data and stressed the need for action, stating, “We can’t afford to treat mental health as an afterthought or a personal burden; it must be a collective priority. The limited data we have tells us a compelling story. Too many PR professionals are experiencing burnout, stress, and receiving inadequate workplace support.”
“We need more than just awareness — we need tangible action,” said Muir. “That means breaking down the stigma, integrating real support systems into the fabric of our industry, and ensuring that mental health resources are accessible to every professional, everywhere.”
Taking action: A global collaboration for mental wellbeing
The increasing demands of the public relations industry, coupled with workplace practices and cultural challenges, are placing a significant strain on mental health.
This collaboration aims to address these issues by:
- Establishing a Global Benchmark: The Global Alliance is committed to developing a standardized approach to measuring and reporting mental health in public relations.
- Accessible Resources: Through the WHO QualityRights initiative, Public Relations and Communication professionals will have access to:
- WHO QualityRights self-guided e-training in 11 languages, focusing on a human rights perspective.
- Global Alliance-led guidance on workplace mental health policies and leadership-driven cultural change.
- A framework for embedding mental health as an industry priority.
“Through this global collaboration, we are moving beyond conversation and taking the necessary steps to create lasting change,” Muir further emphasized.
Global webinar on mental health
The Health & Wellbeing Month global webinar on January 30th will:
- Launch the Global Alliance Snapshot Report.
- Introduce the WHO QualityRights collaboration and resources.
- Feature industry leaders discussing mental health best practices.
- Provide a forum for PR professionals to share challenges and solutions.
Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mSxBGqMZRhWWM6H0nFkGkw#/registration
A global call to action
As the Global Alliance moves into 2025, it urges Public Relations professionals, agencies, and organizations worldwide to prioritize mental health and wellbeing.
This collaboration with WHO QualityRights, along with global benchmarking and continued engagement, represents a significant step towards creating a healthier and more sustainable public relations profession.
For more details on the Snapshot Report, WHO QualityRights collaboration, and Health & Wellbeing Month, visit: https://www.globalalliancepr.org/health-wellbeing-month.
