PR industry launches global wellbeing survey

The research will examine workplace pressures, sources of support and areas where organisations can improve working conditions.

A global survey is seeking at least 5,000 responses from public relations and communications professionals to establish a benchmark for mental health and wellbeing across the industry.

The Global Mental Health and Wellbeing Survey is open throughout October and November 2026, with results scheduled for publication in January 2027.

The initiative is being conducted by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA UK) and the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management.

Global PR survey seeks 5,000 responses by November

The initiative expands an established UK research programme run by CIPR and PRCA UK. Independent research company Opinium, which conducted the organisations' previous UK research, has adapted the survey for an international audience.

The research aims to establish a benchmark covering professionals across regions, countries, sectors and career stages. It will examine how people experience work, what contributes to workplace stress and what support enables professionals to maintain their wellbeing.

The most recent CIPR and PRCA Mental Wellbeing Audit found that 91 percent of UK public relations professionals had experienced poor mental health during the previous 12 months, compared with 63 percent of the wider UK workforce.

UK research highlights mental health pressures in PR

Almost three in 10 respondents to the UK research rated their jobs as highly stressful, while 58 percent identified overwhelming workloads as a major source of workplace stress. The findings indicated a gap between stated organisational support for mental health and employees' reported experiences.

Sarah Waddington CBE, CEO, Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA): "We all bring different experiences and pressures to work, and leaders have a responsibility to create environments where people feel safe to ask for help and receive the support they need. This survey gives practitioners an opportunity to share what working in our profession is really like and what needs to change. Please take part and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Your experience matters and can help shape healthier workplaces for everyone."

Farzana Baduel, President, Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR): "Anyone working in public relations knows the high-pressure that comes with the role. For the first time, this survey is looking to give us a global picture of how these experiences differ or are shared across countries, cultures, sectors, workplaces and career stages. This global benchmark really matters and I encourage practitioners, wherever you are the world, to take part."

Industry leaders call for global workplace action

The survey organisers say the international research will allow the industry to compare experiences across different markets and workplace environments. The findings are intended to provide professional bodies, employers and practitioners with evidence to inform workplace policies and support.

James Enderby, Managing Director, Opinium: "We already know from years of research on previous editions of this survey that too many people in public relations experience poor mental health, significant stress and workplace pressures. Understanding this at a global level is essential, not only to deepen our insight into these challenges, but to create meaningful impact by equipping people, organisations and professional bodies with the evidence they need to take action."

Jennifer Muir, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing, Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communications Management: "A global profession needs a global understanding of mental health and wellbeing. Across countries and cultures, public relations professionals at all career stages face diverse lived experiences and cumulative workplace, social and environmental pressures. This research gives us the evidence to lead collectively, drive meaningful change and build a healthier, more sustainable profession worldwide."

www.prca.global

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