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Morale within US ad industry picking up: Creative Group
CALIFORNIA: The outlook within many US creative departments may be increasingly optimistic.
Around 42 per cent of advertising and marketing US executives polled said morale at their firms is higher than it was one year ago. Nearly 28 per cent of respondents said spirits had declined. The survey was developed by The Creative Group, a specialised staffing service that provides marketing, advertising, creative and web professionals on a project basis in America. It was conducted by an independent research firm and includes 250 responses — 125 from advertising executives among America’s 1,000 largest advertising agencies and 125 from senior marketing executives among the country’s 1,000 largest companies.
The executives were asked questions such as: “How would you rate employee morale at your firm today compared to one year ago?” 14 per cent said that it was much higher. 28 per cent said that it was somewhat higher. 29 per cent said that there was no difference
The Creative Group’s executive director Tracey Turner said: “The creative industry has been particularly impacted by the drawn-out recession and subsequent declines in advertising spending, so it’s encouraging to see rising morale. Talented managers can maintain morale during challenging times by building camaraderie, frequently recognising employee achievements and consistently communicating with their teams. These activities not only make the workplace more enjoyable — they also aid retention efforts and keep employees at their creative best.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
