The PRCA MENA has released its fifth edition of the MENA Mental Health Report during the PRCA MENA Conference 2026 in Dubai, highlighting a significant gap between increasing mental health awareness and the actual workplace experiences of PR and communications professionals in the region. This report is part of the 2026 Reset the Mindset conference program.
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The findings indicate that 55 percent of professionals regularly face stress, anxiety, or feelings of being overwhelmed, while 41 percent experience burnout frequently. Despite a rise in mental health awareness within the industry, evident as 76 percent of respondents report feeling informed—up from 66 percent in 2024—this knowledge has not translated into adequate workplace support. There has been a decrease in the percentage of employees who feel completely or moderately supported by their organization, dropping from 71 percent in 2024 to 58 percent in 2026.
The demanding nature of the profession is underscored by 93 percent of respondents stating they struggle to disconnect from news and current events due to their roles, with 63 percent attributing increased stress to recent global and regional occurrences.
Conrad Egbert, Head of PRCA MENA, remarked that while discourse around mental health has improved, the industry has not significantly altered the conditions impacting it. He emphasized that the issue lies not in awareness but in action, stating, “If people understand burnout but still feel unable to switch off, manage their workload or take time to recover, then another wellbeing campaign isn’t the answer.” Egbert stressed the need for better leadership and management practices that prioritize effective work design.
The report reflects a clear demand for tangible workplace improvements, with 46 percent of respondents advocating for enhancements in the work environment, while 41 percent seek better workload management to address burnout, and 37 percent desire access to mental health professionals.
John Rynehart, Chair of the PRCA MENA Mental Health Committee, noted that the communications sector has moved past a mental health awareness issue to confront an implementation challenge. He expressed the urgency for organizations to be willing to make necessary changes. Rynehart reaffirmed that the goal should extend beyond helping individuals cope to establishing healthier working conditions from the outset.
The 2026 PRCA MENA Mental Health Report continues the organization's ongoing research into mental health and wellbeing within the regional PR and communications industry.