What advice would you give people facing job insecurity?

Earlier this month Omnicom announced a sizeable shake-up following its acquisition of Interpublic, in a bid to create the world’s biggest agency group.

The acquisition reached completion on 26 November after clearing EU regulations, and a huge restructure is currently under way, with new leadership teams across its network and a number of agency brands disappearing altogether. As a result of the changes, 4000 redundancies will be made on top of previous cuts. 

The company will operate three global creative agency networks, BBDO, TBWA and McCann, with IPG creative shops like FCB London and MullenLowe UK merging into AMV BBDO. Omnicom Media will also operate six global media agency networks, OMD, PHD, Hearts & Science, Initiative, UM and Mediahub. 

Total headcount of the restructured group will be about 105,000, versus the 128,000 across Omnicom and IPG at the end of 2024. 

A recent episode of The Campaign Podcast also asked: “Will the new Omnicom work?” Campaign's editorial team discussed what the new holding company will look like and what this means for the agencies that remain. 

With so much uncertainty in the air and the words “cuts”, "redundancies” and “restructures” often finding themselves in the headlines, we asked adlanders what advice they would give to people facing job insecurity.

Rachel Forde
Founder, TheZoo.London

In times of industry uncertainty, whether driven by structural shifts like those at Omnicom, IPG or the broader market, my advice is simple: focus on what you can control. It’s easy to get caught up in speculation and office politics, but none of that moves your career forward.

What does make a difference is doing the best work you can with the responsibilities in front of you today. Strong delivery and consistent results are the most reliable ways to create stability in an unstable environment.

And if the worst does happen, remember that adversity can create unexpected opportunity. Losing a role is undeniably stressful, but it can also be a catalyst to rethink your direction, uncover new strengths and make changes you might not otherwise have had the courage to pursue. Stay present, stay grounded and trust that you’ll navigate your way through it.

Adele Lewis Bridgeman
Talent acquisition consultant

Let’s say the thing out loud, nowadays when you use the word “restructure” that effectively means “redundancy”.

My advice extends to anyone facing job insecurity firsthand and, to a certain degree, everyone within the market, as job instability and nervousness is at an all-time high. It is: lean into connection. 

It can be hard to lean fully into community when navigating change, so instead prioritise connecting with one person. A confidant, which whom you can share your concerns, who will listen as you move through the process. Someone who is respectful and holds space for you, while pointing you towards practical helpful resources, such as Nabs, Acas or an external employment law specialist, which are best placed to review your contract and help you understand your options. Lastly, this person must be your cheerleader, ready to create an action plan with you to help you secure your next role, when you are ready.

Charlie Rudd
Chief executive, Publicis Groupe UK’s Creative Practice

This has certainly never been an industry for the faint hearted. The volatility of agencies and their revenue is very well documented and I suspect this publication wouldn’t have quite as many readers were it any different.

But I recognise that right now there is a collision of forces that challenges agencies and their structures like never before. And it's upsetting to see very talented people having to find new roles and places to work.

The first piece of advice I'd give people is to remember that the challenges in the industry are not their fault. You've done nothing wrong. Often, it's just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. You are every bit as good as you were six months ago. Take the hit but don't believe that you and this industry aren't right for each other.

That leads to my second suggestion. Use this as an opportunity to really work out what you enjoy doing and what you want to do more of and less of in a new role. We tend to spend too little time thinking about career development when we're working flat out. Use this time to focus on what you want. And I mean really focus and be sure.

And lastly, work that network of yours. This is still a people business and you have worked with hundreds of people. The vast majority of whom are decent and will want to help. Pester people and hassle them. That volatility works both ways and suddenly new roles appear; you need to make sure that this time you'll be in the right place at the right time.

Lorraine Jennings-Creed
Director of wellbeing services and culture change, Nabs

Job insecurity messes with three things at once: your stability, identity and sense of control. Feelings of anxiety spike when all of that feels shaky and then a bit more when we pile on by thinking we “should” be handling it better than we are.

The industry is changing fast and this can result in feeling threatened. Fear and worry can creep in, and telling yourself (or being told) to not feel this way doesn't work. When the worry takes over, what helps is finding small ways to work with it.

Some of the small routines can help to keep you steady. When the panic actually hits – spiralling thoughts, chest tightness, waking up at 4am – you can't always think your way out of it. What helps is something small: inhale for a count of four, exhale for a count of six, writing things down, one manageable task. Anything that turns some of that panic into action. 

Resilience has had a bad rap in the past – and rightly so when training or messages about it have been misused – but resilience is also collective. Resilience can come from connection, from the people who show up when things are hard. So it's leaning on people, being honest about what you're dealing with, staying connected to the handful of people who actually get it, and through that, building inner strength.

The Nabs Advice Line is here for anybody affected by the changes. Please call us on 0800 707 6607 or email support@nabs.org.uk

Natalie Napier    ​​​​
Managing partner and owner, Grace Blue Europe

Job insecurity is deeply unsettling, particularly at this time of year, and I have deep empathy for anyone experiencing it.

My strongest advice, regardless of circumstance, is to take control of the situation as much as you can and get on the front foot early. Be proactive about leaning on your network in an open, authentic way. Think carefully about the people who have supported or advocated for you throughout your career and speak to them early to seek their perspective and advice. Informal conversations like these often surface opportunities long before they become visible. And of course engage trusted search consultants as part of your wider network. 

To make those conversations count, be clear on what you truly do well, the problems you solve and the impact you’ve had. That means articulating a narrative for your career that goes well beyond a list of the jobs you’ve had. Finally, be curious about where clients are investing and think about how your skillset aligns with future growth areas, as that’s where opportunity will emerge.

Jon Peppiatt

Trustee, Nabs

Non-executive chairman, The BluePrint

My sympathy goes out to anyone in this situation, particularly at this time of year, when it just seems more acute and stressful.

Talk to someone – colleague, boss, partner, friend, family member – let them how you are feeling, don’t carry it alone.Sadly, in the current climate, there will be many people feeling insecure. Don’t jump to conclusions because it might well be you are not going to be affected.Try to focus on what you can control. However difficult, keep focused on the here and now and deliver each day to the best of your ability.Look at your CV and quietly reach out to your network or a recruiter to explore options.

Lastly, if you do find yourself part of a redundancy/restructuring process, make sure that you fully understand the process, and if your company are not offering enough clarity, reach out to Nabs for some advice.