Chances are that if you have business with Ogilvy Africa Ghana today, you’ll get an auto-response along the lines of the following: “Mental Health Break. Today, we’re out of the office. We’ll be back on Monday rested, refreshed, and rejuvenated.”
As Ghana’s leading integrated marketing communications agency, it’s no secret that Ogilvy Africa Ghana is always on to the next thing. With a working philosophy built on the twin peaks of creativity and effectiveness – and the awards to back this up – the agency is on a constant journey of excellence in execution.
Throughout the month of October, the WPP-Scangroup family, of which Ogilvy is a major player on the African continent, has gone through a series of activities in all the markets where it has a presence.
In a refreshing departure from briefs and brainstorming sessions, ideation and content creation, the entire network hit the pause button one day this month, giving its entire staff a paid day off dedicated to mental health. Dubbed “Making Space” Day, the initiative reflects a growing recognition within the advertising industry and beyond of the crucial link between mental well-being and productivity.
In a world where deadlines never end, this is a bold move. However, it wasn’t a standalone event. This general day off is the climax of a broader wellness push within the agency, demonstrating a commitment that goes beyond mere lip service.
Other activities included “Nutrition Day”, where staff were provided with healthy snacks like fruits and yoghurt, and a “Games Day” designed to break down barriers of hierarchy and encourage bonding through laughter, play, and healthy competition.
Patricia Ithau, CEO of WPP-Scangroup, probably said it best in an internal memo: “To be our most productive, creative, and fulfilled selves, we need time to breathe, relax, and appreciate our accomplishments.” This sentiment aligns with the theme of World Mental Health Day, which was celebrated on 10th October: “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.”
Admittedly, the advertising industry has historically been notorious for its demanding hours and high-pressure environment. In my earlier years, late-nighters were almost daily. Burnout, stress, and anxiety are often considered occupational hazards. A hallmark – and even a badge of honour for some – of our trade. However, efforts are being made at both the local and global levels to reverse this. Using a proactive approach is a welcome counter-narrative, prioritizing employee well-being as proof that it isn’t just good for individuals but is also good for business in the long run.
Through this initiative, we’re also sending a powerful message to the wider Ghanaian business community. In an industry where overwork is often glorified, Ogilvy’s “Making Space” Day is a powerful statement that prioritizing mental health is a show of strength rather than weakness. And this challenge to the status quo needs to be spread to other companies. In every sector. We need to rethink employee well-being and create a more sustainable and supportive work culture.
It would be laughable to believe that a single day off will solve a complex issue like mental health in the workplace. In fact, some even called it a ‘token’ when the first WPP “Making Space” initiative was announced in 2022. However, this day off represents a significant step in the right direction. It’s a symbol of a changing mindset in our industry that recognizes the importance of investing in the whole person beyond being just another employee. As the world is increasingly dominated by viral bad news, constant connectivity with a dash of FOMO, and pressure to perform, creating space for mental well-being is more crucial than ever.
By giving employees the space to recharge, Ogilvy is investing in their long-term creative output and overall job satisfaction. A rested mind, after all, is a more innovative and engaged mind. The agency is betting that this investment will pay dividends in the form of increased productivity and a more positive work environment in the critical final quarter of the year.
As each of Ogilvy Africa Ghana’s employees shuts down for a day off curled in bed with Netflix and popcorn, or an Xbox controller in hand, or out with a significant other enjoying a slow-paced Friday, let this be a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is to pause. Maybe we’ll have a less-stressed workforce around Ghana if we all took a day to unplug, recharge, and simply breathe.
See you on Monday.
By: Kwaku Dankwa, a Senior Account Manager at Ogilvy Africa Ghana
