Staying balanced : wellness in exhibitions
Catie Owen spoke to Laura Capell-Abra , founder of UK-based Stress Matters , about how exhibition professionals can reinforce their mental health
O : What are the key
C 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 . Twentyeight per cent 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 from 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 .
Overall , 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 UK employee , on average is costing the business £ 1,700 ( US $ 1,964 ) 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 improve their team culture , not just the social side !
CO : How can the industry and delegates stay mindful of mental health at shows ? 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 more money , but they also don ’ t have to . We just need to be more creative as to the way we tackle this people challenge .
CO : How can organisers minimise the mental health impact of postshow ‘ drop-off ’? LC-A : It starts pre-show . So many of us accept going into the actual show in a run-down state that means , inevitably with the adrenalin rush of the show , the post-event drop-off is an intense time . We need to create a more sustainable approach to our wellbeing – stress is not inevitable , it is avoidable .
To this end , Stress Matters has an approach called Thrive not Survive which details the five core areas of wellbeing that each individual , team and business can develop .
“ We need to take a more wellbeingcentric approach to the way we organise events .”
CO : How do different cultural approaches to mental health impact your work ? LC-A : Cultural approaches vary greatly between businesses and countries . When working internationally , being sensitive to and listening to those in the local region is hugely important . For some locations there will be a bigger gap as to what is accepted and what is aspirational .
There is a varying level of stigma and understanding whether individuals feel comfortable sharing their current mental health is a great starting point . Identify what resources are available to individuals as there is a great range of quality and accessibility challenges that they could be signposted to .
UK-based organisation Stress Matters uses diagnostic tools to ensure that all education and engagement strategies are tailored to the business implementing them . They are accredited by both Mental Health First Aid England and the International Stress Management Association . EW
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 5 2022 39