A second wave of stress is imminent for event professionals as the Covid-19 pandemic has caused ongoing ‘uncertainty', making event planning a struggle.
Dr Lynda Shaw“Our brain finds ‘the unknown’ very hard to deal with and research shows that uncertainty is more alarming and anxiety-inducing than known outcomes, even if they are bad outcomes,” business psychologist, Dr Lynda Shaw said.
“When faced with a perceived threat, the body responds by releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, readying you for action, but at the same time decreasing your ability to make decisions and affecting your productivity.”
Shaw added that it’s best to try to calm things down so that you can think clearly.
“Find a space, quiet and a time to formulate another plan of action but keep it flexible because things just might change again.”
The “dramatic effects” that Covid-19 has had on the events industry in 2020 are now known and as Shaw said, “by now we probably know what works and doesn’t work in creating an event so we are better placed in 2021 to avoid the dramatic effects Covid-19 had on the events industry and on our mental health at work in 2020.”
Yet, planning remains paramount to reducing stress and acknowledging that plans might change will also have a positive impact on stress levels, Shaw added.
“Knowing the company’s strengths and weaknesses enables strategic analysis of what problems you are likely to face and to start looking for solutions. But in this current climate, you may just find a solution only to then need to adjust again. Have a plan but build in flexibility wherever possible and be prepared to have a plan B and C, or short, medium- and long-term plans. Flexibility is a key part of resilience.”
The events industry has already implemented wide-ranging flexibility in the form of online and hybrid events, which are now expected to feature beyond the Covid-19 pandemic.
“If there’s one thing the current crisis has made us realise, it is that we need to be both proactive and reactive, but we can only take things step-by-step to protect the business and to reduce uncertainty and anxiety.”
Shaw shared the following advice on reducing the second wave of stress:
- Be as flexible as you can. Show that you are a team player by offering as much flexibility to your customers, employees and colleagues as possible. We really are all in this together.
- Communicate clearly and honestly to reinforce loyalty through transparency. Try to find the capacity to answer any difficult questions and now is not the time to be hiding the need for change.
- Think and act as quickly as possible. What solutions and services can you provide with certainty in the immediate future and what could the positive impact be? Think laterally and vertically. Be creative. Find out what your clients and colleagues need in the next six months or so. Leaders and businesses that are quick to react effectively stay nimble and are able to deal well with change.
- Don’t underestimate our need to be social. Humans are social creatures and if we enjoy the people around us feel good hormones like dopamine and serotonin are released and reward neural activity is stimulated in the brain. Check in with known vulnerable employees. Without inundating with Zoom or Microsoft Teams meetings, ask your target audience and colleagues how they are doing. Embrace inclusivity more than ever.
- Be a strong leader. Now is the time to show your strength and versatility to overcome the challenges still ahead but know that this difficult period will pass in time. Demonstrate credibility, passion and your commitment.
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
