Thriving in the Bustle: Maintaining Mental Wellbeing in a Busy Events Company

In the fast-paced world of event planning, with deadlines looming large and schedules that are packed to the brim, prioritizing mental health can be challenging. However, in an industry where stress levels can run high, looking after your mental well-being is not just important; it’s essential for our team’s success and productivity. In this blog post, we’ll explore the practical strategies we have adopted for nurturing our team’s mental health while at work.

Open Communication

A mentally healthy workplace needs open communication. In a small office setting, it is particularly important to foster an environment where colleagues feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Encourage team members to communicate openly with each other and with management, whether it’s about work-related issues or personal challenges.

We schedule weekly check-ins between line managers and their teams, ensuring all colleagues have a space where they can seek support without feeling micromanaged. Weekly whole office team meetings to update the entire team on financials, new business and ABPI updates to name a few! Director ‘drop in’ sessions are scheduled in weekly for any colleague to ask any questions, whether it be work or personal. We work hard to create a culture of transparency and trust that can help alleviate stress and promote a sense of belonging within the team. A team we are all proud to be a part of!

Establish Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is often easier said than done, especially in a small office where time is precious and talented colleagues juggle multi-disciplined roles. However, promoting work-life balance is essential for preventing burnout and supporting mental well-being.

Managers lead by example, respecting time off and discouraging excessive overtime. Regular breaks and leaving work on time are strongly encouraged. To support work-life balance we frequently reflect on our policies and allow flexible working hours, working from home and working from anywhere weeks, which all go a long way in promoting mental wellness within the team. The aforementioned are particularly important amongst our female strong team, to support all of our new mums who return to work and begin to navigate the motherhood and career journey. Who runs the world? Girls!

Prioritize Physical Health

Physical health and mental health are intricately interwoven. Encourage colleagues to prioritize their physical well-being by making time for physical activity. Exercise causes the brain to release ‘feel good’ chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that help lower tension, stress and mental fatigue.

Fitness initiatives dubbed ‘potato walks’ are scheduled in every month. A lovely team walk around our historic old town accompanied by the whole team, colleagues currently on annual leave and of course, our furry office companions. Following the walk, we return to office where a healthy home-made delicious meal is eaten, usually jacket potatoes (hence potato walks) with delicious healthy accompaniments. All cooked up by our amazing team!

Encourage Self-Care

Finally, colleagues are encouraged to prioritize self-care and make time for activities that bring them joy and fulfilment outside of work. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply taking time to relax and recharge, self-care is essential for maintaining good mental health.

Our mental health team, headed and championed by our mental health first aider, Ellie Cope, encourage us all to focus on mindfulness and wellness. We have explored crafting to reduce stress, developed a corner of the office to relax and take a break and frequently remind the team of stress management techniques. We strongly encourage a culture where taking care of your mental well-being is seen as a priority rather than a sign of weakness.

In conclusion, maintaining good mental health within a small office requires a proactive approach that prioritizes open communication, work-life balance, physical health and self-care. By implementing these strategies, our small office can foster a culture of mental wellness where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally.