The advertising industry has much to celebrate when it comes to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. According to the latest Myers Report 2024 Survey on Advertising Industry Inclusion & Belonging, conducted among 2,766 professionals, there is a clear and positive sentiment across various aspects of workplace culture, particularly in areas such as diversity, employee wellness, and work-life balance. This comprehensive survey provides a detailed snapshot of the current state of workplace support and inclusion in the ad industry, highlighting both the successes and areas where further progress can be made. The Myers Report underwriters and partners may download the full PDF report below. (For information on availability contact info@mediavillage.com)
Top-Line Results: A Positive Outlook
The data reveals overwhelmingly positive attitudes among ad industry professionals across a range of categories, demonstrating the effectiveness of the initiatives that companies have put in place to support their employees. Key findings from the survey include:
- Diversity and Inclusion: An impressive 89% of respondents agree that team diversity and inclusion are valued and promoted within their organizations. This high level of satisfaction underscores the ad industry's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are respected and encouraged.
- Employee Wellness and ERGs: Another 89% of respondents are satisfied with the value their companies place on employee wellness and the availability of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) such as Women's Networks, LGBTQIA+ groups, and POC support programs. Larger companies, in particular, are leading the way in this area, with 94% of respondents in organizations with over 20,000 employees expressing satisfaction.
- Encouragement to Take Time Off: Work-life balance is also well-supported, with 89% of respondents feeling encouraged to take time off when needed. This finding is particularly strong among those newest to the industry (less than two years of experience), where 92% feel supported in taking necessary breaks.
- Positive and Respectful Work Environment: The ad industry is seen as promoting positive and respectful workplaces, with 89% of respondents agreeing that their organizations uphold these values. This consistency across companies of all sizes is a testament to the industry's broader commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for all employees.
- Support for Personal and Professional Growth: While still strong, this category showed slightly lower satisfaction levels, with 82% of respondents feeling supported in their personal and professional growth. Notably, newer employees (those with two years or less of experience) reported higher satisfaction (87%), indicating that companies are investing in the growth and development of their fresh talent.
Good News for the Ad Community
The findings from the Myers Report are a strong endorsement of the positive steps that the advertising community has taken in recent years. The industry's focus on diversity, wellness, and work-life balance is clearly resonating with employees, fostering an environment where professionals feel valued and supported.
For smaller companies, however, the data also highlights areas for improvement, particularly in the support for employee wellness and the availability of ERGs. While larger companies have the resources to provide comprehensive support programs, smaller organizations may need to explore innovative and cost-effective ways to enhance their wellness offerings and ensure all employees feel equally supported.
Encouraging Further Engagement
While these top-line results are encouraging, the full Myers Report offers a deeper dive into the data, providing valuable insights that can help industry leaders continue to build on their successes and address any challenges that remain. Members and partners of The Myers Report are encouraged to download the full report to explore the findings in greater detail and to gain access to actionable recommendations that can support their ongoing efforts to create inclusive, supportive, and thriving workplaces.
The Myers Report 2024 Survey on Advertising Industry Inclusion & Belonging is an essential resource for any company committed to leading in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. By understanding the current landscape and learning from the successes of others, companies can continue to make strides in fostering a positive workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent.
Chart: Composite Top Two Box Percentages Across All Respondents for Key Categories