From meetings to mental health
CATIE OWEN SPEAKS TO LAURA CAPELL-ABRA , FOUNDER OF STRESS MATTERS , ABOUT HOW EVENT PROFESSIONALS CAN REINFORCE THEIR MENTAL HEALTH
C
O : What are the key challenges to mental health the industry needs to address ? LC-A : Talent attraction and retention is one of the biggest challenges the events industry is facing . 28 % of UK employees left their jobs in 2021 , or planned to leave in 2022 , with 61 % citing mental health as the reason . We also know that 67 % of employees said a business ’ s approach to mental health and wellbeing would impact their choice to work there .
Everyone is trying to recruit the same , small pool of talent and candidates are being more discerning about the choices that they make .
CO : How can event professionals support their mental wellbeing during
this tumultuous time for the industry ? LC-A : Individuals that work in the industry have learnt a lot recently and are spending more time focusing on trying to create a better sense of balance in their lives .
We have seen an increase in the number of businesses training up mental health first aiders ( MHFA ) and working with us on our Wellbeing Manager programme . The MHFAs are given the skills and confidence to spot mental health challenges and so are a great resource to have spread across the team .
Each employee , on average , is costing the business £ 1,700 per person , per year because of poor wellbeing and ill mental health . The businesses that are finding it easier to retain talent are those which have consistently looked to
Above : Laura Capell-Abra , founder , Stress Matters
Stress Matters uses diagnostic tools to ensure that all education and engagement strategies are tailored to the business implementing them .
improve their team culture , not just the social side !
CO : How can the industry and delegates stay mindful of mental health at events ? LC-A : We need to take a more wellbeing-centric approach to the way we organise events . As an industry , we need to ask ourselves why on every choice – is it because we have always done it this way , or is it because it is the best approach for attendees ’ wellbeing ?
This can be tailored : as such a large industry we have a huge amount of different personality types , situations , and styles . We can offer greater nutrition and beverage options , provide travel rest days , and build more reset time into daily agendas . Yes , these things can cost us
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