In the ever-evolving landscape of the events industry, professionals find themselves at the epicentre of a new and formidable challenge – the burnout epidemic. As events make a resounding comeback post-pandemic, the relentless demands of the industry are taking a toll on the mental and physical well-being of those who orchestrate the seamless experiences we all enjoy.
Here, we investigate the factors contributing to the burnout epidemic within the events industry and explores potential solutions to alleviate this pervasive issue.
The Remote Work Surge:
The global shift to remote work, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly altered the professional landscape. For event professionals, this transition has meant an increase in remote work. While technology has enabled virtual collaboration, it has also added layers of stress to roles that traditionally thrived on face-to-face interactions and on-site orchestration.
Rising Stress Levels:
Recent research from The Culture Creators Report 2023 indicates that 79% of event professionals now find their roles more stressful than ever before. Surprisingly, the events profession ranks as the third most stressful globally, only surpassed by ‘military service’ and ‘home health aide.’ This stress level eclipses that of traditionally demanding professions like teaching, first responding, surgery, and social work.
Tech-Centric Roles and Increased Responsibilities:
A substantial contributor to the burnout epidemic is the evolving nature of event professionals’ roles. With a 61% consensus among industry experts, the stress is attributed to increased responsibilities, particularly in tech, data, and digital capabilities. This lack of acknowledgment for increased responsibilities may exacerbate recruitment challenges in an industry where talent retention is already a concern. Recognising the pivotal role of recognition in the events industry, it is now more crucial than ever to place acknowledgment at the heart of company culture.
Compensation Disparities:
Despite a 75% surge in workload and the adoption of tech-centric responsibilities, a staggering 90% of event professionals report no change in their compensation packages. The lack of acknowledgment for the increased workload exacerbates the burnout epidemic and poses a significant threat to talent retention within an industry already grappling with recruitment challenges.
Industry Recognition vs. Employee Recognition:
While 66% of event professionals believe that businesses understand the importance of events, there is a prevailing sentiment that individuals within the industry lack proper recognition. This disconnect raises concerns about talent loss, as undervalued employees may seek opportunities elsewhere. According to the American Psychological Association, as many as half of employees who feel undervalued will actively look for new roles within a year, emphasising the urgent need for industry-wide acknowledgment.
As the events industry grapples with the burnout epidemic, recognising the severity of the issue is the first step toward fostering positive change. The mental and physical well-being of event professionals is paramount to sustaining an industry that thrives on creativity and innovation. It’s imperative for organisations to reevaluate compensation structures, acknowledge increased responsibilities, and prioritise the well-being of their workforce. Only through concerted efforts to address the burnout epidemic can the events industry continue to flourish and deliver exceptional experiences for years to come.
This article is inspired by C&IT Magazine publication entitled “Exposing the ‘burnout epidemic’ in the events industry” with the link to the article available here.
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