Ending Workplace Abuse

Our client wanted to bring national attention to workplace psychological abuse and position psychological safety not only as an employee well-being issue, but as a business, innovation, and civil rights priority. The challenge was to transform a complex subject—supported by extensive research and statistics—into a clear, compelling narrative capable of reaching corporate leaders, workers, and lawmakers alike.

We developed a story that connected America’s tradition of innovation with the hidden workplace conditions that can suppress human potential. By combining an emotionally powerful opening, credible data, strong visual contrasts, and a solutions-focused call to action, we created a video that communicated both the human cost of psychological abuse and the larger opportunity: healthier workplaces, stronger organizations, and a more productive society.

“It’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

In the heart of American progress lies a spirit of relentless innovation. America excels at pairing capital and creativity to deliver triumphs of intellect and industry. However, lurking in the shadows is a destructive force working against our national potential. It’s called workplace psychological abuse.”

“This force destroys innovation, shatters productivity, erodes profitability, and fuels the mental health crisis in America.”

“In the U.S., about 30% of workers, or 47 million people, suffer from psychological abuse at work. And all this abuse is perpetrated by only 4% of the workforce. 65% of the time, the abuser is a person’s direct manager. This abuse causes up to 26% of work-related mental health issues. It increases depression by 28%, anxiety by 34%, and stress-related disorders by 37%. Long-term workplace psychological abuse victims face a 230% higher risk of heart disease and a 420% higher risk of depression.“

“Workplace psychological safety is also a civil rights issue for 20% of the US workforce, or 31 million people, that grapple with mental health challenges.”

“Imagine a future where legal frameworks empower corporations to protect employees

psychological safety, unlocking unprecedented capacity for innovation and

productivity. The U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has unveiled a new

Framework for Mental Health & Well-Being. The #1 Priority? Establish psychological safety in the workplace.

Ensuring workplace psychological safety will do three things for the 150-million-person US workforce:

1. It will unleash the full innovative and productive potential of US corporations
2. It will significantly improve national mental health, and
3. It will ensure the civil rights of 20% of the workforce struggling with mental health challenges”

“Workers, leaders, and lawmakers – we need you to take action. Champion laws that safeguard the rights of every worker to a psychologically safe workplace.

“Working with Chris was nothing short of educational, inspirational, and purpose affirming. He’s exceptionally skilled at narrative development and visual articulation. He also partners seamlessly intellectually, with a rare balance of EQ, humility, precise articulation, and willingness to draw from existing narrative in peoples’ minds and simultaneously challenge conventional thinking to create an exceptional product that encapsulates the story you needed to tell with emotional precision and maximum relatability. When we finished our project and I viewed the draft, it was so powerful to see and so meaningful to have my portable, scalable story to share that I actually cried.”

– Director at a Fortune Global 500 company