• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, June 3, 2022

Publicis Sapient, the digital transformation company within Publicis Groupe has launched a humanitarian project called Bridge To Next that is designed to help displaced industry workers and others effected by the war in Ukraine find marketing technology jobs and relocate if necessary. Parent Publicis Groupe is also assisting with the effort.

The project offers professional support, including full- and part-time jobs for talent working from their home countries, as well as visa and relocation services for those who choose to move.  For Ukrainians who are unable to leave Ukraine, Publicis Sapient is making remote work available.

The program also provides personal and emotional support for talent and their families through stress, anxiety and PTSD counselling, developed and customized by Thrive, a behavior change technology company; childcare services; and language lessons through eTutor and other language platforms in Ukrainian, Polish, English, Arabic and other languages. 

Arthur Sadoun, Global CEO and Chairman of Publicis Groupe noted that while the company is doing all that it can for the 350 Publicis people and their families directly affected by the conflict, Bridge To Next “extends that help even further by providing a full and industry-leading work/life restoration program beyond our Publicis borders in order to help displaced tech and consulting talent affected by the war rebuild their futures with more support, optimism and community.” 

Nigel Vaz, CEO of Publicis Sapient added that beyond jobs and visa services, “We’re using our recruitment backbone and infrastructure to provide other services that are just as important: a safe place to stay, and a network of support – from stress therapy and childcare to language lessons and community outreach.  Impactful and meaningful help is what is critical during this time of disruption and uncertainty.”

The company is providing work opportunities and workspaces in any country where Publicis Groupe has offices.

More details on the program can be found here.

The Groupe is also putting its internal communications systems Marcel to work helping those impacted by the war. Employees can send messages of support to Ukrainian colleagues via the Virtual Wall of Solidarity; leverage the Home Swap Home program to take in a colleague who is fleeing the war; sign up to volunteer in relocation efforts or help in humanitarian and medical aid and access the “Hour of Solidarity” backdrop image. 

Also on Marcel, Ukrainians on the ground can post their stories and share videos, as well as have access to mental health first aiders and mental health initiatives.