Can work be… better? What are we doing for each other in this current situation? What makes people happier, healthier and more productive at work? |
|
|
Don't panic, we're creatives! (In the 2025 slowdown)Let's not beat around the bush - the creative industry is in the most challenging period since the 2008 crisis.Economic uncertainty looms large, with higher taxes and lowering business confidence on the horizon. A range of economic pressures and rapid advancements in AI have created the perfect storm. Three major production companies have gone into liquidation this year alone. Companies are increasingly adopting "do more with less" philosophies, leading to role cuts, project delays and hiring freezes. And self-employed freelancers, creative professionals and small studios/businesses feel the impact first, and most acutely. "I've been doing this 15 years, and I've never seen a wave go across like this," says illustrator Matt Saunders, who works with clients including Nissan, Airbnb and Disney. "Every person I've spoken to, across a wide range of industries, is saying things are weird: FX, animation, illustration, design, editing, filmmaking, advertising, publishing, even the news business." Beyond the financial implications, the current slowdown is taking a significant emotional and psychological toll on creative workers. The uncertainty has compelled many to confront fundamental questions about their careers and the industry's future. In response… creative professionals are developing new approaches and finding opportunities in new places. "What's worked really well are murals; for me, there seems to be more work there, which I guess is a job that AI can't really replicate. I've moved house recently, and getting to know local councils and businesses gave me quite a lot of commissions," notes illustrator and artist Rachael Presky. Geographic diversification has also become crucial. Adrian Carroll, creative director at D8 Studio notes: "The UK is definitely more cautious at the moment. We've been fortunate in that we now have clients based all over the world; it's never been easier to work with overseas clients. Post-lockdown, people are so used to working remotely." Wayne Deakin, global principal at Wolff Olins, echoes this sentiment, encouraging UK creatives to leverage the nation's design reputation. "Look beyond your local patch and your standard approach," he urges. "British design is world-class, so take a wider export lens to your business. Social media and the internet mean that anyone can be your client today, and different regions have varying levels of growth." Creative director Paul Leon emphasises the importance of access and networking. "My advice is what I tell myself: be respectful, courteous and positive," he says. "No one wants to be around negativity or envy. Be useful. Be kind. Mean it. After 35 years, I know access is hard-won in this industry, but that's how we give ourselves a shot at winning the work." If the financial situation wasn't already bad enough, it has been magnified for many by the rise of artificial intelligence. "I think in a world of AI, our humanity is a premium," argues story coach and strategist Baishali Johal. "Because the more advanced, perfect—and sterile—that technology gets, the more humans will crave authentic human connection and creativity." Illustrator Aron Leah is singing from the same hymn sheet. "I've started leaning into the parts of my work that make it unmistakably human-made," she says. "That means drawing with a point of view, showing process, telling stories with intent. The more everything starts to look the same, the more a thoughtful, hand-drawn illustration stands out." As the creative industry navigates this challenging period, resilience will be key. As graphic designer and illustrator Nvard Yerkanian says: "After more than 10 years of freelancing and running my solo studio, I've learned how important it is to plan for these slower seasons. Having a bit of runway means I don't have to panic. And when you don't panic, you avoid making decisions you'll regret, like slashing your rates or saying yes to projects that don't align." The importance of community support, too, cannot be overstated. As the industry faces unprecedented challenges, creatives are finding strength in shared experiences and mutual support. For many, this period of uncertainty has provided an opportunity for reflection and strategic planning. Rather than simply waiting for conditions to improve, successful creatives are using the quieter periods to refine their offerings, strengthen their networks, and explore new opportunities.
The current slowdown, while challenging, is also revealing the resilience and adaptability that has always characterised the creative industry. Those who emerge successfully from this period will likely be those who have embraced change while staying true to their creative values, built diverse income streams, and maintained strong connections within their communities.
|
|
|
Thread of small businesses supporting each other"Business as usual" can seem callous against a backdrop of social, global or political crisis. Working harder (for less) when you, alone, shoulder all parts of a business takes more resilience against a backdrop of mental, physical or community crisis. All of those converge, in particular, when AI is taking over entire industries, for artists, writers and creative freelancers. "We have to stop shaming small business owners, creators, and freelancers for showing up online while the world feels heavy. Everyone's just doing their best to survive." - lavenderswriting Here's a thread of such business owners supporting and encouraging each other in the face of criticism for promoting your products at this time: I'm a dopamine artist using happy colors to share positivity. Without gratitude and positivity it's very hard to be happy, if we're not happy it's very hard to be kind. We NEED kindness. From a business standpoint the big corporations haven't stopped their advertising. People won't be able to choose to support me and my small business unless I'm out here sharing it. I'd like to at least give others the option to choose small. - Lmariefineart THIS! We can carry both. Being in our joy and creating from both spaces is what will change the world. Duality and balance. We can’t let the anger fester and we can’t allow the complacency and turning a blind eye glass over and bypass either. - namuli.namuli Every person has the right to be a business owner and a person, an employee and a person. I've seen counselors on here talk about their politics or their understanding of a world situation and they are lambasted for it. Just because someone has a profession does not mean they are also not a person. If you want a professional to act like a non-person that is the fruit of capitalism you are only here to serve me, not to speak to me and tell me what you think), and it is incredibly selfish. - nolongerburdened I think this is exactly when we ALL need to show up with positivity!! Light drowns out darkness and shines hope on the weight of the world. - the.growing.soul This! Every time I get a comment or DM from someone telling me they find my reels soothing or calming, it makes everything seem worthwhile! - alexandrabrinck I create to stay sane. And I like to see what other people are creating to stay sane. Let’s all try to stay sane together. - intotheglimmer I agree. Everyone keeps hold of their sanity/copes in different ways. Sharing art and creativity while things seem bleak is the perfect time. - lbphotographe22
Creators of things that make us smile, you are NEEDED. Where would the world be if, when bad things happen, the good things decided to hide? - Chapter.amanda - that's me!
|
|
|
[AD] Can we overcome systemic sabotage to create wealth? 🌿 How can we work and earn money, not as commodities but as decision-makers and drivers of value? 🌿 How can we significantly increase our income while also experiencing severe constraints such as physical health challenges, social and economic exclusion, and systemic predation? 🌿 How can we overcome predation, sabotage, and abuse arising in response to our economic and social advancement? 🌿 How can we care for our loved ones who are undergoing systemic predation and marginalization, without increasing harm or danger to ourselves or others in the world? Kian Xie and Megan Elizabeth Morris have created a "radio" style chat to explore, discover and grow around these questions. Join Wealth & Freedom on Telegram - all free. When anyone in the 99% attempts to rise economically, we are disrupting the status quo power structures - and there are forces and traps in place to trip us up. Instead, let's discuss how to create wealth that nourishes freedom for ourselves, those we love, and our global community. How to help and support others as we succeed.
You can listen here and engage in the group discussions here. |
|
|
|
|
The choice of where to work.When the debate over working from home, office or hybrid models continues, well-known companies that once announced remote work as the norm are reversing their policies. In 2022, Airbnb announced employees could "live and work anywhere", but two years later, they backtracked - some roles are on-location, while all employees are required to spend one week each month in the Chicago office. Dell, Amazon, Barclays, Walmart, John Lewis and more companies have also reshaped their remote working models. While criticisms include reversing progress, distrust in employees (together with remote tracking of activity) or ignoring the evident gains, is there more to it? Jane Sparrow asks - why are they doing this? Are they seeing something we might be missing? Companies offset social disconnection with strong, intentional digital processes, but "if it takes significant structure to recreate what used to happen naturally, it raises the question of overall value." Gartner Survey data showed career mentoring, progression and a sense of belonging is weakened. Remote working at scale means fewer shared experiences, weaker informal communication and reduced visibility. Google, Meta and Apple all cite collaboration, creativity and innovation is harder to sustain in fully remote teams, and have a hybrid model (compulsory 2-3 days in the office). Three specific actions are recommended by Gartner to close the employee career growth gap: Make employees' personal values part of their performance and career conversations. “When employers truly understand what their employees value personally, they can increase their employees’ sense of purpose at work, which in turn, makes employees 4.1 times more likely to stay with the organization,” said Lisa Mitchell, Principal in the Gartner HR practice. Help employees navigate all possible options for growth Transparently communicate what is feasible for the organisation to deliver against potential consequences.
Back to the work-from-home debate, THE CHOICE IS THE THING Evidence supports a structured hybrid model, flexibility, and giving employees the choice on when - and how - to return. But rigid company mandates to force people back leads to resentment and backlash - and ignores the diversity of working life. People built new routines in the last few years and leaders need to navigate new changes with empathy; not everyone works best in the same pattern, and the value of office time is in presence (not "presentee-ism" or "coffee-badging"!) Compelling evidence shows working from home leads to measurable benefits in workers' mental health, productivity, and overall life satisfaction. The study identified several key factors contributing to increased happiness in remote workers: Greater autonomy over work environment Reduced workplace stressors and interruptions Improved work-life integration More opportunities for physical activity Enhanced sleep quality and duration
The crucial difference is choice. When remote work was mandatory during lockdowns, well-being dipped due to isolation. But when employees choose it, they report more motivation and greater satisfaction. The results are clear: when people can choose to work from home rather than being forced, they are healthier, happier, and more satisfied with their jobs. Agency maximises happiness benefits for work arrangements. A four-year Australian study reveals remote work boosts sleep, health, and productivity—when it’s a choice, not an obligation. The University of South Australia's research provides unprecedented insights with data before and after the global pandemic and unexpected changes in workplaces across the world. The study tracked changes in the well-being of Australian workers over four years, offering valuable insights into the long-term effects of remote work. One crucial point emerges from the study: the distinction between imposed and chosen teleworking. When working from home is imposed, as was the case during the strict confinements, mental health and well-being can suffer. On the other hand, when individuals choose to work from home, their well-being tends to improve significantly. This positive effect is more marked when employees benefit from the support of their colleagues and their company. The conclusions of this large-scale research highlight that, despite sometimes contradictory data inherent in the complexity of the subject, offering employees the flexibility to choose to work from home has significant benefits for their physical and mental health. Employees who work full-time from home or in a hybrid model report higher job satisfaction and well-being. This confirms the growing desire for greater flexibility and autonomy in managing professional activity. |
|
|
Neurodivergent regulation at work.When we talk about mental wellbeing, we often picture calm and quiet. But with neurodivergent staff, the opposite can be true. Mental wellbeing in neurodiversity doesn’t look like you imagine. Rachel Morgan-Trimmer writes in Elite Business Magazine: "I’m autistic and have ADHD. Sharing my experience, advocating for neurodivergents like me, and having fun while doing it, is what gives me purpose. It’s regulating. And empowering." However, "regulating" does not necessarily mean a complete state of calm; "it means that our emotions match the environment. If we’re yelling and jumping up and down in the office, that would be a sign that something isn’t right. But at a football game? The opposite is true. Imagine sitting still and being quite when your team scores a late equaliser?! Like anyone else, neurodivergent people need the highs and the lows, the calm and the storm, and to be able to feel and express their emotions in a way that is fulfilling." What kind of support benefits neurodivergent people? A neurotypical person might be happy on an even keel, working at the same pace all the time. But someone with ADHD or who is autistic might prefer to be "hothoused" and work on "project sprints", often quite intensely. Supporting neurodivergent people at work means enabling us to work at our best, whatever that looks like. We talk about “special needs” or “additional needs” but often they’re not special or extra, just different. Also this study of data across England shows a more inclusive, diverse workplace leads to more innovation. Analysis showed: Greater workforce diversity in terms of gender, ethnicity and disability is positively associated with an increase in the propensity to undertake product and process innovation; Providing flexible working is positively associated with an increase in the propensity to undertake product innovation; Taking measures to support employee mental health and well-being are strongly associated with both product and process innovation.
Good work and mental wellbeing happens when managers and staff understand and support each other. When people feel safe, supported and valued at work. Many neurodivergents don’t notice when they are approaching burnout or if their mental health is worsening, until it gets to crisis point. "We are not always very good at this which is why autistic burnout is such a common phenomenon," says Rachel Morgan-Trimmer. Good managers, particularly neurotypicals in my experience, tend to be good at noticing when someone is “off”. And having the courage to address it can be incredibly valuable. "While we are ambitious and driven and productive, we are also human! And we need to be encouraged to rest." – although again, relaxation might look different to what many people consider relaxing!
|
|
|
“Take for instance a man driven to incessant work by a sense of deep insecurity and loneliness; or another one driven by ambition, or greed for money. In all these cases the person is the slave of a passion… A man… with no aim except that of experiencing himself and his oneness with the world, is considered to be 'passive', because he is not 'doing' anything. In reality… the highest activity there is, an activity of the soul, possible only under the condition of inner freedom and independence." Erich Fromm, The Art Of Loving |
|
|
I love to feature good businesses & brands! Consider advertising, affiliate or other partnerships with Pawsitive News >> rate Have a conversation about how we could collaborate or benefit your business >> convo@chapterpaws.com
I love to hear from readers! Want more? Amanda xx View this email in your browser. Copyright © {{right_now.year}} {{location.name}}. All rights reserved. Not so pawsitive? >> unsubscribe |
|
