World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day

by Community AwarenessPersonal Interest

World Mental Health Day

Mental well-being is as important as physical health, but it often gets less attention. World Mental Health Day serves as a chance to give mental health issues their overdue attention. Since the World Federation for Mental Health started it in 1992, World Mental Health Day has been observed annually on October 10.

 

Despite progress, many issues need to be addressed to foster a destigmatized, empathetic world. A prominent concern is the lack of access to care for many people. Whether due to financial constraint or a shortage of qualified professionals, mental health services should be more widely accessible.

 

Workplace stress is another major issue, yet many organizations lack adequate support systems. Being in a good mental state is essential for both performance and general satisfaction.

 

While there is still change that needs to be made, there are things that we can do as individuals to direct us toward a healthier world:

 

  • Create a supportive environment: You don’t need to be a professional to lend an ear to someone in need. Encourage open discussion about mental health to reduce stigmas.
  • Educate yourself and colleagues: Fight stigmas through education. Understanding issues will eliminate misconceptions and encourages empathy.
  • Advocate for workplace policies: Push for the organization to implement mental health policies and services (stress management resources, assistance for employees, etc.).
  • Focus on work-life balance: Knowing how to separate your work and life is essential for decompressing and relaxing. Focus on finding a balance that suits your health and your work.
  • Get involved with mental health organizations: Contribute through a donation or volunteer your time to dedicated organizations.

 

October 10 isn’t a random Thursday in autumn; it’s a call to action. By coming together to raise awareness, debunk stigma, and support the people around us, we can push for meaningful change and create a better future for mental health.

 

At SCG, we are addressing these mental health needs within the organization and advocating for a healthy work-life balance by offering various initiatives, like yoga sessions in the building on Wednesdays and employee led mental health workshops and fundraisers. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to building a balanced work environment that ensures employees have everything they need to be at their best, both personally and professionally.

Mental Health Awareness

Wherever You Go,There You Are

by Community AwarenessSCG News

 

Mental Health Awareness

On January 31, 2024, Elmo said to followers via X/Twitter, “Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” 

 One response was “Elmo, we are tired.” Another was, “Elmo girl… I’m having a quarter life crisis right now and I can’t get my stuff together to finish this last semester. I’m mentally burnout out and I have a lifetime of working to go.”  

 The fact that many social media users responded to a fluffy Muppet about their mental health struggles says something (very loudly, I’d suggest) about the state of America’s mental health. We’ve got a crisis.   

 According to shortlister.com: 

  • 21% of American adults (about 50 million people) are dealing with mental illness 
  • 5.44% report experiencing a severe mental condition  
  • 4.8% of American adults report seriously considering suicide  

As someone who has had their fair share of mental health challenges, which I addressed in my last mental health related blog, there’s much I’ve learned (and still am learning) about coping with mental health struggles. Here are a few highlights:  

  1. Never feel afraid to reach out for help and talk about how you’re feeling. Falling into hyper-independence may feel good for a while, but you don’t need to feel that the only way to deal with problems is to bottle things up. Remember – it’s better out than in.  
  2. Make time for “non-doing.” I recently started reading a book titled “Wherever you go, there you are”. The topic of “non-doing” is “the ability to simply let things be and allowing them to unfold in their own way.” Don’t sweat the small stuff, and if there’s big stuff to be sweating about, rest assured that it will all be figured out one way or another.  
  3. Let yourself be upset for as long as you need, but don’t dwell in the doom of it all. Life is very hard, and no one ever said it would be easy. But how we cope with how we’re dealing mentally and physically is how we build resilience so we can tackle the next obstacle in front of us.  
  4. Surround yourself with people who support you, rather than tear you down. Whether it’s your family, friends, or a romantic partner, being able to have people around who genuinely support you in your good moments and at times when you struggle makes a difference in your life. No one needs to be surrounded with negative put-downs, overly critical conversations, or unsolicited advice. Sometimes, we just want to air our grievances and move on and heal. 

And lastly:

5.You don’t need to get everything done in one day. Learn to delegate tasks in both your home life and especially your work life. While this can also prove to boost your mental health, it will also boost your productivity, which is a double win.  

 Social media is a great tool to use to communicate with loved ones and friends and even give someone a space to take away the stigma from mental health awareness.  

 I’m grateful I work in an environment where positive well-being and mindfulness are promoted. Happy Mental Health Awareness Month.  

SCG is an advocate for mental health awareness and supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. For more information on this organization, please visit https://afsp.org/. You are not alone.

How to Work Comfortably at Home While Sick

by Community AwarenessPersonal InterestUncategorized

After falling ill about a week into January, I learned a thing or two about working remotely in the midst of an awful cold. I don’t know precisely what I had, but it featured body aches, sweats, chills, coughing, a stuffy nose, and pretty much everything in between. Yet, I still managed to get a good bit of work done from the comfort of my bed and couch.

 

The following are a few tips. Maybe they’ll help you the next time germs get the better of you.

 

  1. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t be entirely productive. Nobody plans to become sick. And sometimes, illness arrives during a big client event or when a major project is due. One of the benefits of working for an agency is that there are typically extra hands on deck to assist when you’re just too sick to function.
  2. Take extra breaks, whenever needed. Sometimes, you’re simply too worn down to continue working. If this is the case, brew a cup of tea and even consider a power nap. Your output can only be as good as how alert and healthy you feel.
  3. Stay in communication with your colleagues. Even if you’re a bit groggy, seek out updates from your colleagues. This will help you continue to move items off your plate, and they’ll likely appreciate the extra effort you’re putting in.
  4. If possible, get some fresh air via a 5-minute walk around the neighborhood. If you’re sharing the outdoor space with others, be responsible and wear a mask. Also, be sure to take appropriate vitamins/supplements to help in the battle against your illness.
  5. Speed your recovery up by getting plenty of rest both day and night. Working remotely has its perks, but there’s definitely something to be said for the daily routine at the office. So, make sure you rest as much as your body demands – it’ll help you recover and get back to normal as quickly as possible.

 

It used to be that even if you were horribly sick, you’d pushed yourself to go to the office just to show your dedication and push through. Now, it’s more important to protect all your coworkers and not spread germs by working remotely, if you can.

All Levels Of Education Sector Must Invest In Relationships, Reputation To Battle Coronavirus Disruption

by AdvertisingBrandingCommunity AwarenessEducationHuman ResourcesPublic Relations
The loss of life – as well as health and safety issues – remains the primary issue when talking about the coronavirus pandemic. That said, economic and societal disruption cannot be ignored.  The education sector, from pre-school to our higher education institutions, finds itself in the direct path of the storm and needing to prepare for the next waves.education battle coronavirus disruption

 

The action plans required to navigate the new-normal are extensive and detailed, and emphasis should rightly be placed on instruction and learning, technology, infrastructure, and financial considerations. None of those issues, however, will matter if schools can’t sustain meaningful relationships with their long list of publics. Parents and students are more tolerant of change and disturbances if they have trust.  Educators and staff are willing to go the extra mile if they have faith. Partners and suppliers are more open-minded if they believe a school is credible. Individuals and institutions are more giving when they have confidence.

 

Senior educational leaders will undoubtedly spend the next few months discussing important, tangible assets that ensure the delivery of education, but how much time will be spent on intangible assets like reputation, relationships, and brand?

 

Important Intangible assets

 

Intangible assets – like reputation, relationships, and brands — will first be defined by behavior and then by communication. Every organization must accept that it operates with the permission of those it serves, including students, parents, employees, regulators, partners, and a lengthy list of others. Moving forward, every action and behavior must be focused on earning and maintaining permission and trust to operate.  In the end, reputation is a simple formula: EXPECTATION + CREDIBILITY. Organizations must meet or exceed expectations and achieve credibility by doing what they say they will do in all facets of the organization, down to the very smallest detail.

 

When it comes to communication, every organization must fortify its antenna to become more effective at listening, and more attentive to relevant sights, sounds, and sentiments. They must accept and communicate vulnerability and values and give power to their conscience, ethics, and empathy, thus empowering others to act. They must speak clearly, consistently, and honestly across all platforms – paid, earned, shared, and owned. Communication must be systematic, process-driven, proactive, and reactive, and also reach to all ends of the organization, both internal and external, prioritizing those directly impacted first … but realizing that information spreads.

 

There will be bumps along the way, and some may ignite a frenzied response from the media. The industry should also anticipate government, legal, and consumer actions, along with dis-informational attacks. And all of this will negatively impact reputation and the bottom line.  Schools must soon identify and cultivate third-party advocates to speak on their behalf, quickly knock down misinformation, and employ attitude inoculation or pre-bunking techniques.

 

When it comes to maintaining and building intangible assets like relationships and reputation, there’s no magic solution. Instead, taking appropriate steps now will ensure an organization’s ongoing viability. Bottom line: educational leaders must prioritize investment in intangible assets and the professionals who manage them if they hope to survive and ultimately thrive in the post-coronavirus world.

 

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Related blogs:

 

Care Facilities That Serve The Most Vulnerable Have Essential Frontline Duties, Long-Term Problems

by Community AwarenessPublic Relations

Care FacilitiesThe coronavirus death toll at long term care facilities – which includes nursing homes, assisted living, and other, related facilities – is currently approaching the tens of thousands, with numbers likely to rise further. New Jersey and New York are among the hardest hit by this devastation. Numbered among these staggering losses have been several high-profile cases involving misconduct and bad actors, and these will taint the entire industry for years. And, as a result, government at all levels has taken action, the media is shining a bright light on misdeeds, and a consumer backlash is certainly coming.

 

Loss of life is not unique to long term care facilities, and the entire healthcare continuum is faced with challenges that include shortages of PPEs, tests, and staff.  Despite all the pain and suffering, the vast majority of frontline workers at long-term care facilities deserve our appreciation, support, and praise.

 

The loss of life – as well as health and safety issues – are the primary concern, but economic viability and reputational issues cannot be ignored.  While many facilities benefit from sound public relations planning and counsel, others have simply dropped the ball. Even those with a plan now find themselves dealing with an unprecedented storm. As boxer Mike Tyson often said, “Everyone has a plan …  until I punch them in the face.”

 

As many understand, the reputation and integrity of the industry will first be defined by its behavior and then by how it communicates. Every facility must accept that it operates with the permission of those it serves, including residents and patients and their families, employees, regulators, other healthcare providers, and a lengthy list of others. Moving forward, every action and behavior must be focused on health and safety and earning and maintaining permission and trust to operate.  In the end, reputation is a simple formula:  EXPECTATION + CREDIBILITY. Organizations must meet or exceed expectations and achieve credibility simply by doing what they say they will do in all facets of the organization, down to the very smallest detail.

 

When it comes to communication, every organization must fortify its antenna to become more skillful at listening, and more attentive to relevant sights, sounds, and sentiments. They must accept and communicate vulnerability and values and give power to their conscience, ethics, and empathy, empowering others to act. They must speak clearly, consistently, and honestly across all platforms – paid, earned, shared, and owned. Communication must be systematic and process-driven, proactive, and reactive, and also reach to all ends of the organization, both internal and external, prioritizing those directly impacted first … but realizing that information also spreads.

 

The loss of life has created a media frenzy, and the industry should anticipate second and even third waves of government, legal, and consumer action, as well as continued dis-informational attacks by the outrage industry. And all of this will negatively impact reputation and the bottom line.  Companies must soon identify and cultivate third-party advocates who can speak on their behalf, quickly knock down misinformation, and employ attitude inoculation or pre-bunking techniques.

 

Like the virus itself, there is no magic cure for reputational issues. But, taking appropriate steps now will ensure your organization’s viability.

 

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Recruitment Insights – Coronavirus 4/13/20

by Community AwarenessHuman ResourcesRecruitment Advertising

 

 

April 13, 2020

Coronavirus Brings Record Jobless Claims

The Coronavirus Pandemic has had an immediate impact on a job market that was at record unemployment lows just two months ago. Nationwide unemployment in February was 3.55%, jumping to 4.44% in March. April will assuredly be even higher

 

Some Major Hiring Initiatives During The Pandemic

Although much of the focus has been on mass layoffs across the country, there are some that have needed to step up recruiting efforts as they are being overwhelmed.

 

Retirees Are Being Sought After

Even with a huge number of talented individuals are available for hire, both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Postal Service are pursuing retirees to fill their rising hiring needs.

 

Your Employer Brand During the Pandemic

During these difficult times layoffs, furloughs, and preserving as much of your current staff as possible are front and center in your efforts. However, you must remember that what you do now will have an impact our your employer brand for years to come.

 

 

 

BREAKING — STUDY SAYS PEOPLE CAN HANDLE THE TRUTH

by Community AwarenessPersonal InterestPublic Relations

Truth builds TrustIt’s a legendary scene. One famous actor shouts, “I want the truth!” The other snaps back, “You can’t handle the truth!“

 

It’s cinematic genius, and also depicts one of the greatest challenges of communicating during a crisis – including our current public health emergency.  How much truth – and what degree of uncertainty — can the public handle?

 

According to a just-released study from the University of Cambridge, uncertainty about facts can be reported without damaging public trust. These results come at a critical time as leaders, scientists, and professional communicators wrestle with data uncertainty, risk, and disinformation associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Communicators and leaders of various organizations often assume that communicating uncertainty will undermine trust. Now, research has found that uncertainty related to key facts and figures can be communicated in a manner that maintains public trust in information and its source. And this is true even related to contentious issues. Researchers hope the study encourages communicators as well as leaders to be bolder in reporting uncertainty.

 

Study co-author Sander van der Linden, director of the Cambridge Social Decision-Making Lab, says that “including an indication of its uncertainty provides the public with better information. In an era of fake news that might help foster trust.”

 

As an example, the researchers got the best results when a figure was flagged as an estimate and was accompanied by the numerical range from which it had been derived. For example:“…the unemployment rate rose to an estimated 3.9% (between 3.7%-4.1%).”

 

This study adds to  – and supports — considerable research on the topic of trust and credibility.

 

Given the current landscape, and the support of research, Edward R. Murrow’s words ring more true than ever. “To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; to be credible we must be truthful.”

 

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SCG Related Information and Services We Offer:

Media Training

Crisis Communications

 

 

 

Recruitment Insights – Coronavirus 4/3/20

by Community AwarenessHuman ResourcesRecruitment Advertising

April 3, 2020

Job Losses by State

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic the nation has seen the number of jobless claims reach the highest level in our history over the past two weeks.

• The 3.28 million reported last week was four times greater than any week ever but did not affect states equally. See the chart here.

• A staggering 6.6 million filed new claims this week. See the week to week percentage difference here.

• Another look at the impact of the huge jump in unemployment claims by state. Study the map here.

 

Industries Affected by Coronavirus

Layoffs are coming at a more rapid rate than ever. Some industries felt an immediate impact and are still reeling. Look at the impact on different industries.

• Food & Beverage felt the immediate and powerful impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Here is a graphic that shows how they compare with other industries.

• Three most decimated industries.

 

Hiring During the Coronavirus Pandemic

There is no doubt that the coronavirus is creating joblessness in most all areas throughout the nation. However, there is a high level of hiring, too.

• Companies still hiring in Philadelphia.

• Here is a list of companies hiring in Atlanta.

• Hiring still going on in Tampa.

• Companies hiring in San Diego.

• Essential retailers ramp up hiring in New Jersey.

 

Kelsey O’Connor

NJ student-athlete receives scholarship from Parsippany communications firm

by Community AwarenessPublic RelationsSCG News
Kelsey O’Connor
NJSIAA Executive Director Larry White and Delaware Valley Regional High School student Kelsey O’Connor

Delaware Valley Regional High School student Kelsey O’Connor receives NJSIAA scholarship sponsored by SCG Advertising + Public Relations

 

PARSIPPANY, NJ (August 15, 2019) —  Delaware Valley Regional High School student Kelsey O’Connor was recently awarded an NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association) scholarship sponsored by SCG Advertising + Public Relations.

 

On an annual basis, SCG recognizes a high school senior who demonstrates excellence both on the playing field and in the classroom, with a $500 scholarship award. The award is presented at the annual NJSIAA Scholar Athlete Luncheon.

 

O’Connor, who played field hockey and lacrosse, will use her scholarship to supplement her educational costs at Duquesne University, where she will study speech pathology.

 

At the 26th annual Scholar Athlete Luncheon, which was attended by more than 1,400 people, student-athletes were designated by their respective schools to receive scholarships. More than 350 New Jersey high school students were recognized at the luncheon and nearly $200,000 in scholarships was awarded.

A digital photo of NJSIAA Executive Director Larry White (left) and Delaware Valley Regional High School student Kelsey O’Connor is available here.  

 

TAPinto covered the SCG/NJSIAA press release.

 

About the NJSIAA 

NJSIAA logo Est 1918

Established in 1918, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletics Association (NJSIAA) is a voluntary, non-profit organization comprised of 436 accredited public, private, and parochial high schools. A member of the National Federation of State High School Associations, the NJSIAA conducts tournaments and crowns champions in 32 sports. Championship competition for girls is sponsored in basketball, bowling, cross country, fencing, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, outdoor track, winter track, and volleyball. Boys’ championships are determined in baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, fencing, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, outdoor track, winter track, volleyball, and wrestling.

 

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Mike Cherenson

12 Things Everyone Can Learn From Our Military

by Community AwarenessPersonal InterestPublic Relations

Our militaryLessons from a week-long experience, featuring the Secretary of Defense, some generals and admirals, and scores of young men and women in uniform

 

In March, I was selected to participate in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC), the oldest and most prestigious U.S. Department of Defense public liaison program. As one of 36 JCOC participants, I spent seven days, from June 10-16, 2018, at military installations throughout the southeast, engaging with senior military officials and U.S. service members.  In addition to participating in tactical training exercises, our group was provided top-level briefings that gave us a deeper understanding of the roles and

mission of the U.S. Armed Forces, with emphasis on skills, capabilities, and the equipment employed in defense of our nation.

 

The experience was life-changing.

 

OUR JOURNEY

My journey began with a deep respect for all who’ve served – including my father and several uncles – but also an unease about war, particularly as a first option.

 

JCOC kicked off at the Pentagon with an executive breakfast featuring top commanders and senior leaders, followed by a question-and-answer session with Secretary of Defense James Mattis. We then traveled to U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston, SC; Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, Parris Island, SC;  the 23d Air Wing, Moody AFB, GA; U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, NC; and Norfolk Naval Station/Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Norfolk, VA.  

 

 

I shared my journey with top-notch, civilian leaders from both the public and private sectors – a veritable “Who’s Who” of those heading some of our nation’s largest, best-known, or impactful organizations. We not only shared a path, we also helped each other broaden our perspectives.

As a tiny sampling of some things I saw and did, at Fort Bragg we spent the day with U.S. Army Special Operations and took part in a simulated hostage situation.  At the conclusion of the day we were “rescued” from a rooftop by the Army Rangers who “took down” a small town – with bombs, bullets, dogs, helicopters, and sharpshooters – and ushered us to safety on Chinook helicopters. From there, we were taken to a dormant airfield, where we ventured into the woods, dined on road-kill prepared by the Army’s top survival specialists, and then celebrated the Army’s 243rd birthday with the Green Berets singing the Army song and eating cake cut by swords. And that was just one of seven days.

I began the week having never fired a gun – and before it ended, I’d been on a target range with an M-16, M-4, SR-26, M2010, M110, and a Glock handgun. Each of these weapons feature tremendous power, which they, in turn, convey to all who use them.  My overall experience, both with the weapons and those who regularly use them – served to reinforce my long-held belief that with power comes responsibility and a duty to practice restraint. I was pleased to learn this perspective is shared by those servicemen and women I met during my participation in the JCOC program.

IN AWE OF OUR MILITARY

Beyond the bombs and bullets, ships and jets, there were the people – the men and women of the armed forces, many of whom are younger than 20 – who are the essence of the U.S. military. Beyond bravery and service were core values common to all – loyalty, duty, respect, integrity, and honor.  Beyond the uniforms and crisp salutes was a resolute professionalism, academic rigor, leadership development, and relentless drive towards improvement.  I was in awe of the military might I saw displayed, and humbled by the sacrifice of others.  As much as I learned about our Armed Forces, I learned even more about our society and humanity.

 

KEY TAKEWAYS

There’s a great deal that 99 percent of us can learn from the less than one percent of all Americans currently serving in the military (of note, 70 percent of eligible Americans cannot serve, due to poor health/fitness, addiction, a criminal record, or related issues).* Here are several key items:

 

  1. Develop, articulate, and live your core values. Stand for something bigger than yourself.
  2. Commit yourself to life-long learning, re-tooling, and re-training. Constantly and rigorously assess and evaluate.
  3. Life is filled with important assignments – each is much like a mission. Have a clear objective and communicate it widely, up and down the literal or figurative chain of command.
  4. No person or organization is an island unto itself. Appreciate and understand your responsibilities, and be ready to learn from others.
  5. Have a Plan B and a Plan C at the ready … and be prepared to use them if a situation evolves.
  6. Respect yourself and others; fill your personal foxhole with those you trust.
  7. Take care of your body, mind, and soul.*
  8. Stress is natural and inevitable – learn to work with it.
  9. Discipline is far more than just a loud voice. It’s about commitment to training, teamwork, and others.
  10. Everyone can be a leader, no matter what their rank or title.
  11. Always give yourself and others a second chance.
  12. Put the needs of those under your command or direction ahead of your own.

 

SUMMARY

We rarely saw service personnel wearing their military finest — most were typically clad in camouflage-style uniforms. This style is certainly more functional and comfortable, and the ultimate aim is to blend into the environment.  Yet the more we saw of the men and women representing the various branches of our military, even in their camo garb, the less they blended in and the more they stood out for the heroes they are.

 

While we may not all agree about certain policies or missions, my hope is that we stand together in respecting those who stand ready to defend our country.

Check out the story featured on ROI-NJ.COM

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Day 1 – Pentagon/U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston, SC VIDEO SUMMARY, PHOTOS

Day 2 – Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, Parris Island, SC, VIDEO SUMMARY,  PHOTO SUMMARY

Day 3 – 23d Air Wing, Moody AFB, GA, VIDEO SUMMARY, PHOTO SUMMARY

Day 4 – U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, NC , VIDEO SUMMARY, PHOTO SUMMARY

Day 5 – Norfolk Naval Station/Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Norfolk, VA, VIDEO SUMMARY, PHOTO SUMMARY