#EventWell19 – Event Wellbeing Week took place on Monday 16th – Friday 20th September, 2019. This year, the campaign message was #itsoknottobeok. The Shocklogic team participated in various events throughout the week, to learn more about the importance of both mental and physical care in our industry.
Official EventWell Opening Breakfast
We kicked off the week by attending the official #EventWell19 Opening Breakfast at Bottletop, a beautiful venue that supplies artisanal craftsmanship and sustainable design.
During the event, director of EventWell.org, Helen Moon, highlighted the importance of well-being and self-care in an industry where missed deadlines, overloaded work and forgotten details are considered critical breaking points.
Mark Maher, Sales and Marketing Director at Boulevard Events mentioned: “When it comes to stress, it is important to develop coping mechanisms which give people the ability to look after themselves”. Mark shared initiatives such as free, nutritional lunches for his employees or making a genuine connection with your colleague – this can generate acceptance and a better environment in the workplace.
Katy Johns, Director at Powwow Events, stated: “positivity breeds productivity” – flexible working can really help wellness. Giving people the freedom to work remotely can really help productivity, “a happy worker is a good worker”.
Other initiatives such as bringing your dog to work, fruit bowls, birthdays off, and acknowledging the efforts and achievements of your team members can increase development and productivity to your employees.
Katherine Bowden, account director at Banks Sadler and trustee of The Matt Palmer Trust, revealed the truth about the events industry – it’s not a 9 to 5 job, but it is important to prioritize your needs and make time for yourself.
Venues + Events Live
The Shocklogic team rounded off the week with a visit to Venues + Events Live, where we were treated to an afternoon of self-care. Experts shared their stories on how they implemented self-care in their daily lives.
The events industry seems to be a relentless rollercoaster juggling simultaneous tasks, tight deadlines and constant meeting requests.
Mel Noakes, The Self-Care Coach explained that “event professionals tend to be high achievers and aim for perfectionism which leads to overwork”. However, the perplexing thing about the cult of overwork is that, as we’ve all known, long hours and the rush of “getting things done” diminish both quality and productivity.
“If you look for work-life balance, you will fail”. It’s all about space, rather than balance. It’s about what it is important for you, and what you want to prioritise.
We ended the day with a session of breathing exercises hosted by The Breath Guy where we learnt different techniques of how to “breath correctly” and how these can benefit us physically, mentally and emotionally.
Shocklogic EventWell campaign
If you missed our team videos, discussing “Wellbeing in the workplace”, you can find them below: