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← Back to IdeasOgilvy Celebrates World Mental Health Day with 10 Days of Global Activations
In a groundbreaking initiative leading up to World Mental Health Day 2024, Ogilvy's Global Inclusion team orchestrated a comprehensive 10-day list of innovative programming designed to promote mental wellness, build connection, and celebrate inclusion across its global network.
Their goal was simple yet ambitious: to ensure that anyone, anywhere around the global Ogilvy network had the opportunity to actively engage in World Mental Health Day in a meaningful and accessible way that resonates most with them.
The journey began on October 1 with the launch of a comprehensive resource guide, distributed network wide. This culturally informed guide serves as a valuable repository of recommended readings, films, and podcasts collected globally to help maintain mental health and wellness both in and outside the workplace.
Day two saw offices worldwide participating in stress-relief initiatives, with the New York office distributing Ogilvy-branded putty to employees – a playful reminder of the importance of taking moments to decompress during the workday. Other special goodies and items were distributed in offices across the world; including our India office receiving a beautifully crafted wellness card, Denver and Chicago receiving WHMD-themed fidget toys, and coloring books given to employees in our Singapore office.
The campaign's third day featured a powerful video compilation of People Leaders from across the globe sharing personal perspectives on mental health in relation to their careers, teams, and personal lives. Employees were also encouraged to connect with their local Benefits Teams to explore Ogilvy-specific mental health resources.
Adding a musical touch to the initiative, day four introduced a globally curated Spotify playlist featuring uplifting songs from around the world, recognizing music's universal power to boost mood and create connections across cultures.
Days five through seven were intentionally designated as rest days, encouraging employees to embrace self-care practices that resonated with their individual needs and preferences.
On October 8, Ogilvy hosted a compelling panel event exploring the intersection of inclusion and well-being. The discussion, moderated by Josue Mendez, Jr. Project Manager of Inclusion & Operations, brought together a wide range of voices from across the network. Panelists including Katauna Loeuy, Alexa Padron, Aaron Trinidad, and Mabinty Taylor-Kamara shared insights on how various cultural celebrations and identities intersect with mental health experiences. The hybrid event, hosted at New York's Town Hall Space, created an inclusive platform for both in-person and virtual participants.
Day nine emphasized the healing power of laughter and relaxation through two unique initiatives. A virtual laughing yoga session united colleagues globally, while the New York office transformed a space into a wellness room where employees could create floral arrangements, enjoy calming music, and experience a sound bath – combining creative expression with mindfulness practices.
The ten-day activation culminated with the release of the fifth episode of The Modern Exchange series, featuring candid conversations with Sue Olivier (Chief People Officer, APAC), Bukky Ojeifo (Global Director, Brand Innovation & Strategic Inclusion), and Stella Zhang (Content Strategy Director) from Ogilvy Singapore. Their discussion explored the complex interplay between mental health, career development, and cultural influences.
Throughout these activations, Ogilvy demonstrated its understanding that mental health experiences are deeply personal and culturally influenced. By aligning these initiatives with concurrent celebrations such as National Coming Out Day (U.S.), Black History Month (UK), and Hispanic Heritage Month (U.S.), the campaign acknowledged how different cultural moments can impact mental well-being while simultaneously bringing the community together.
Through a combination of educational resources, interactive experiences, and community-building activities, these initiatives have set a new standard for workplace mental health support and awareness.