Dentsu APAC Launches "Sound Mind", region-wide internal initiative to improve mental health

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our lives in different ways. Many people are facing challenges brought on by lockdowns which can be stressful, overwhelming, and emotional. Public health safety measures, such as nation-wide social distancing and lockdowns are necessary to control the spread of the virus, but they can make people feel isolated and lonely, increasing stress and anxiety. It is not just junior employees who are feeling it. Senior leaders are vulnerable as well.

As an agency network that values people, during the mental health awareness months of May and June, dentsu APAC’s Diversity Equity and Inclusivity (DEI) Council collected inspiring stories of authenticity and vulnerability from dentsu’s top leaders from 10 different countries in the region. This collection, titled “Sound Mind” was recorded and enhanced with Binaural Beats technology, with the aim to uplift feelings of hopelessness and despair during this unprecedented night season.  

Sound Mind has been incorporated into region-wide internal initiative, “Wellness from Home”, and is the brainchild of Titus Upputuru (CCO @ Dentsu One India), Ryan Jordan (Strategy Director @ Dentsu Auckland, New Zealand) and Merlee Jayme (Global President @ dentsumcgarrybowen and Chairmom @ dentsu Jayme Syfu). The initiative was brought to life by members of the company-wide DEI and Mental Health councils.

Merlee, who was most recently President of the 2021 Cannes Lions Festival’s Radio & Audio Jury, said: “As Chairmom at work and mom at home, I empathise with the challenges people are facing from the prolonged work-from-home arrangements brought on by social-distancing. I feel for them because not everyone has the luxury and space to work comfortably from home. Some parents also home-school their young children whilst working full time. I chanced upon Binaural Beats when I was doing research for my Cannes Lions Radio & Audio article on the relevance of listening in today’s world, and thought I’d share this with everyone so we can all find respite in the power of Binaural Beats.”

Binaural Beats are usually blended into music and listeners will experience a variety of physical and emotional experience known to improve mood, focus, attention, and sleep.