Sustainable Humans: A framework for applying Sustainable HRM principles to the Events Industry

Abstract

Most research into human resource management offers best practice strategies but often assumes that employees and organisations are homogenous. The events industry is fundamentally different: it is a stressful, fast-paced, competitive, deadline-driven industry with unsociable working hours. HRM in events currently adopts a short-term and operational approach, which has led to the industry having high staff turnover, and employees suffering from high levels of stress, poor mental health and professional burnout. Using an online survey and in depth semi-structured interviews with event industry employees, this paper critically examines sustainable HRM principles with the aim of understanding if, and how, they could be implemented in the events industry as an alternative to reduce employee stress and to achieve longer term wellbeing – a state which is beneficial not just to the individual, but to organisations and the industry as a whole. A framework for future research is presented and practical implications discussed.