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Stress Matters
STRESS MATTERS:
THE PLEDGES
Sunnies on, head down
Laura Capell-Abra, founder of Stress Matters,
says that when the clocks change, so too
should your sleep pattern
here are always specific points
in the year when you can tell it
has changed seasons.
Whether it’s what you wear,
that you have an umbrella or pair of
sunglasses in hand as you leave the
house, or which type of enquiries you
receive for future events. Add to that the
changing of the clocks, this is one of
those times of year.
As we change the clocks forward, we
change the amount of sunlight we are
exposed to and how much sleep we get.
Now the scientific part: our main source
of Vitamin D is sunlight and lower levels
of Vitamin D have been associated with
greater drowsiness in the day and the
amount of melatonin released by our
bodies, impacting how tired we feel, can
also be impacted by changes in the
amount of sun we get.
Our industry is way above the industry
average for those with sleep problems,
our Stress Matters research found that
nearly three out of four reported issues
with sleep and with the UK average
around one in three according to the
NHS, we have a bigger problem than
most parts of the country.
A lack of sleep can impact our
short-term and long-term memory and
limits our creativity and problem-solving
skills – all pretty important things in this
fast-paced, unpredictable industry. Our
Stress Matters research found that the
average number of hours sleep while on
an event is 4 to 6, with 20% of events
staff managing on less than four hours
per night.
Between nine and 38 minutes is the
minimum amount of sun each of us
needs a day to keep up our Vitamin D
levels, so the more we can take a quick
walk outside to get our lunch or do
walking meetings, the better chance we
have of a calmer approach to
problem-solving, greater creativity and a
good night’s sleep.
“As we change
the clocks forward,
we change
the amount of
sunlight we are
exposed to and
how much sleep
we get.”
Stress Matters pledge number eight is
to offer support to those team members
who have sleep problems. So, with the
changing of the clocks, let this be the
month that you change your approach to
how we view sleep.
www.conference-news.co.uk
Communication and culture
1. There is a culture of openness about
mental health led from the top.
2. Processes and procedures are in
place so that employees can follow a
clearly identified plan of support
3. Management is trained to provide
basic emotional and stress
management support.
4. A culture of fluid working is instilled.
Resourcing
5. Team’s welfare is put at the centre of
resource planning.
6. Team members are not expected to
work for more than 14 days without two
days off.
7. Team members are not expected to
work more than 50+ hours per week
more than once a month.
8. Sleep management support is offered
to individuals who have sleep problems.
Client and stakeholder management
9. Senior management supports
individuals who are being subjected to
unrealistic deadlines.
10. Team wellbeing charters are created
and provided to clients.
www.stressmatters.org.uk