Page 24 - Adnews Nov-Dec 2022

Perspectives
involved and help set the standards around environmental claims, now is the time to get in touch and become a member of AANA.
I am also looking forward to our exciting line up of events for 2023 that will connect our industry as we look to the future and hear from some of the best thought leaders from Australia and around the world. So, watch this space!
Finally, we are going to step up the support we provide to our members in upskilling their teams to unlock growth at this time of economic stagnation. Our best-in- class marketing programs are designed by marketers, for market- ers, and we have big plans for our capability programs in 2023.
As we lift our gaze to next year and beyond, there is no doubt our industry is stronger and can achieve more if we work together. We shouldn’t underestimate the power of collaboration and the positive difference our industry can make. AANA’s focus in 2023 will be to work with our members to make our industry even better.
2Sam Buchanan, CEO, IMAA
022 has been a year of change – most for the better.
Australia fully emerged from
COVID lockdowns but that didn’t mean a fully returned workforce to offices. Although the ‘work from anywhere’ phenomenon wasn’t as big as first anticipated, our industry has had to flex to adopt hybrid work- ing models and make the office envi- ronment both attractive and ‘com- mute worthy’ to people who really embraced working from home.
That’s been a change for the better and, just by their nature, independent agencies had the abil- ity to be nimble and introduce an array of staff benefits – from unlimited annual leave to week- ends away in a tiny home – to not only attract but retain staff.
A real focus on mental health is also a welcome post-COVID theme. Many agencies now have their staff Mental Health First Aid accredited and staff are offered days to regroup, do something they love or volunteer, as well as Diversity & Inclusion initi- atives, like the IMAA’s D&I commit- tee, which all contribute to a hap- pier, (mentally) healthier industry.
Justin Graham, group CEO at M&C Saatchi Group AUNZ. (Right) Ferrah Dagli, chief people officer, dentsu ANZ