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Event coordinator was the fifth-most stressful job in 2018 on one list, meaning ‘it’s more important than ever’ for event pros to focus on their well-being.
By Boardroom editors
Event coordinator was ranked as the fifth-most stressful career in 2018, according to CareerCast.com, right behind police officer and airline pilot. That news comes as #EventWell says its research shows that 42 percent of employees have switched jobs due to stress, and nearly three-quarters of workers felt stressed over the past year.
Such data mean it’s more important than ever for event professionals to take steps toward their well-being, says #EventWell, which describes itself as an event industry charitable social enterprise and dedicated resource for well-being advice, knowledge, and support.
Studies show that well-being is strongly linked to productivity, happiness, and job satisfaction—topics so important that IBTM World in Barcelona had sessions on the topic, including a “Let’s Talk About Stress Baby!” session, at its Knowledge Programme in November.
Ken Kelling, of davies tanner PR and marketing and one of IBTM World’s well-being speakers, says there needs to be more industry action.
“The first and most important step is that we all recognise well-being as an essential part of workplace satisfaction,” Kelling said. “The second is that we talk openly about its importance. And the third is that senior leaders put in place well-being policies and procedures to show employees that the health of employees is taken seriously.”
Employee engagement consultant Leslie B. Rogers says that “keeping well in high-pressured jobs can feel like a constant balancing act.
“On the one hand,” she said, “if you’re a fan of high stimulus, the challenges of getting the job done can feel energising. This is especially the case when you have the right level of autonomy and ownership, when you feel like you’re growing and being challenged, and when you have a sense that the work you do is important. … On the other hand, each of us needs to rest and recharge. It’s very tough these days, since we’re constantly online and there will always be more to do.”
Companies can take small steps that may have big benefits, experts say, such as encouraging employees to practice mindfulness, listen to their bodies, take breaks at work, step away from their desk, and stop overscheduling meetings. By providing helpful tools and advice that may prevent stress, they say, companies can significantly improve well-being in the workplace and prevent burnout.