For many years, workplace wellbeing has been closely associated with benefits, for instance gym memberships, mental health apps or occasional wellbeing initiatives. While these still play an important role, there is a growing shift in how employees define what wellbeing at work in the events industry really means.
Across the events sector, flexible working is increasingly becoming one of the most valued aspects of a role. Employees are placing greater importance on achieving a sustainable work-life balance in event jobs, rather than simply receiving additional perks alongside their salary.
Why flexibility matters in events
The nature of event work means that traditional 9–5 structures rarely reflect the reality of the role. Deadlines are often fixed, projects can be high-pressure, and working hours may fluctuate depending on event schedules.
Because of this, rigid working patterns can add unnecessary stress, particularly when employees are trying to balance professional responsibilities with personal and parental commitments.
Laura Sidhu, Senior Account Manager at Live Recruitment notes, “A lot of the pressure comes from the mismatch between how the job actually works and how it’s structured on paper. Flexibility helps bridge that gap and makes the role feel much more manageable.”
The impact on wellbeing
Flexibility can have a significant impact on both mental and physical wellbeing. It allows employees to perform to the best of their ability whilst managing their time more effectively, attend personal appointments when required, spend time with family, and build in recovery periods after particularly busy spells.
Importantly, it also gives people a sense of control – something that is often limited in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments. Employees are professionals and need to be treated and trusted like adults to manage their time accordingly to get their role done – flexibility allows them to do that around their other roles in life.
A key factor in retention
There is a clear link between flexibility and retention, particularly within the events industry. Many professionals are now actively seeking roles that offer greater control over their time, with some choosing to move into freelance positions as a result.
As Laura Kelly, Managing Director at Live Recruitment explains, “We’re seeing more candidates consider freelance work because it gives them control – sometimes they can earn the same in half the time with less stress. That says a lot about what people are looking for.”
Final thoughts
Flexibility is no longer a “nice-to-have” – it is a fundamental part of creating sustainable careers within the events industry, especially when attracting junior talent.
Organisations that recognise this and adapt accordingly will not only support employee wellbeing more effectively but will also be better positioned to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive market.