The industry has spoken. It’s time to listen📣!

The findings from The Great Pitch Poll 2026 paint a clear picture of the pressures facing agency business development teams today.

📊 73% have considered leaving the advertising industry because of pitch-related stress.

📊 81% have seriously considered changing jobs because of business development pressure.

📊 70% say they or someone they know has become ill or taken sick leave because of pitching.

Yet there are reasons for optimism too. More agencies are investing in wellbeing, more people feel able to talk openly about mental health, and 84% agree that positive mental wellbeing is critical to delivering successful pitches.

As AI reshapes the pitching process and client expectations continue to evolve, the challenge isn’t simply to win more business, it’s to build a healthier, smarter and more sustainable way of pursuing growth.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s research, our independent research partner Censuswide, and to Campaign Magazine, Marcomm News and Mediashotz for helping bring these important conversations to a wider audience.

This is just the beginning. Over the coming weeks we’ll be sharing more insights, practical recommendations and conversations on how agencies, clients and procurement teams can create better pitching experiences for everyone.

Because great agencies deserve great growth and great people deserve great careers.

#TheGreatPitchPoll #AgencyGrowth #BusinessDevelopment