.jpg)
Duty of care: The heart of the matter
‘Duty of care’. It sounds serious, legal, and maybe a bit cold. But it’s not just about ticking boxes – it’s about looking after people. Venturing into the ethical rather than legal aspects of talent management, it’s a term that covers mental health, wellbeing, neurodiversity, and addiction.
But it’s complicated. It’s hard to pin down. It costs time and money. It’s easier to look the other way. Yet we can’t ignore it. Because mental health and wellbeing support aren't just nice-to-haves, they’re must-haves. Opinions vary, but we know where we stand.
Without a clear-cut definition or framework for duty of care in talent management, it’s a bit like wandering in the wilderness. How we approach duty of care is unique – it’s shaped by the needs of the client, the perspective of the agent or manager, and their willingness to have uncomfortable conversations.
Contracts are commonplace – but what about the less tangible? The psychological, ethical, and moral contracts that guide us through the emotional challenges in our roles are often missed. Sometimes it’s deliberate, sometimes it’s an oversight.
The winds of change
The world is noticing the challenges in the music, entertainment, and sports industries – and it’s about time. Research is showing that anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues are just as common here as anywhere else.
It’s a harsh reality that people often resort to self-medication, or behaviours that bring temporary relief, to cope with these issues. This can lead to addiction and other behaviours that result in isolation and further mental decline.
Let’s talk about it
Celebrities around the world are taking a stand. They’re prioritising their mental health, and they’re talking about it. It’s time to create a safe space for these conversations and remove the stigma around mental health.
Prevention is better than cure
At attune, duty of care goes beyond legal and fiscal responsibilities. It covers physical health, psychological wellbeing, and emotional safety. Regular mental health check-ins, coaching, counselling and psychotherapy services, and emotional literacy and communication skills education are all key to a healthy work environment.
We’ve got your back
If you’re curious about how we can help with your duty of care responsibilities, just give us a shout. We’re here to guide you through this vital part of talent management with compassion, empathy, and expertise.
