Havas Media Group Downs Tools for ‘Hava-Rest Day’

Today, Thursday 2nd September is officially ‘Hava-Rest Day’ for the entire Havas Media Group. A day off from work to relax, recharge and unwind.

Virginia Hyland CEO Havas Media Group said: “As our industry knows too well, it is very difficult to take a day off and not be bombarded with the on-going stream of emails and team meetings. More than ever, looking after our mental health is exceptionally important so we have decided that September 2nd will be Hava-Rest Day for the whole Havas Media team. We will all down tools together so that everyone can truly enjoy the beginning of spring and take a day out for themselves.” 

“When I contacted clients to advise them of our initiative and requested that they don’t contact the team on Hava-Rest Day unless urgent, all were exceptionally supportive which was lovely to see,” added Virginia.

Staff and clients alike are embracing the idea with Patrick Millington Buck, senior account director Havas Sports & Entertainment (a division of Havas Media) saying: “There is a lot of talk about investment, measurement & ROI in our industry but we often overlook the most important metric of all. Our mental health. Hava-Rest Day is a great initiative to address this and it’s inspiring to be a part of.”

There aren’t too many reasons these days to take time off - with no special occasions or vacations planned. This gives the chance to mix up the weekly routine and unwind for a day. Even if it means staying in a 5km radius, it’s a good chance to get outside and gives us all a little something to look forward to,” added Tegan Salter, SEO and content executive Havas Media Australia.

“Hava-Rest-Day is a great initiative especially when the wider company stops for a day, it’s always hard to switch off with deadlines pouring in but with the push of all taking the day together helps,” said Maryam Esfahani, creative services director Havas Media Australia.

“Hava-Rest Day is so important. It’s a reminder for us all to pause and breathe. And it’s a behaviour that reflects Havas’ ongoing commitment to one of our core vales, being SUPERKIND – to ourselves and to one another,” Danni Dimitri, head of strategy Sydney, Havas Media Australia, added.