We all know that cybersecurity is stressful; we’ve seen the many stats that say that professionals are burnt out and stressed. But what the industry needs is changemakers and people willing to lead the movement towards a healthier future. Today, The Nineteen Group has announced that they are revolutionising wellbeing support for professionals at cybersecurity exhibitions. Enter The International Cyber Expo‘s Cyber Wellbeing Corner, the first of its kind at cybersecurity exhibitions globally.
The Nineteen Group have joined forces with Jamf and The Zensory to develop The Cyber Wellbeing Corner, a space at this year’s exhibition dedicated to the wellbeing of cybersecurity professionals. It is the first of its kind for cybersecurity exhibitions globally.
Notably, over half of people within cybersecurity have experienced emotions such as depression or anxiety due to feeling overwhelmed at work. That’s why it’s crucial to provide safe, neuroinclusive decompression spaces, like The Cyber Wellbeing Corner, for professionals. Additionally, 20% of the country’s workforce is neurodiverse, which could mean that spaces like exhibitions are overwhelming, overstimulating and exhausting. With the cybersecurity industry striving to be more neuroinclusive, it’s important to make sure events, such as the International Cyber Expo, are as welcoming for all as possible. As such, within The Cyber Wellbeing Corner there will be a separate quiet decompression space, featuring sensory experiences, open to everyone.
Rachael Shattock, Group Event Director at Nineteen Group, explains: “It’s more important than ever to support the wellbeing of cybersecurity professionals. With burnout at an all-time high and mental health issues running rife throughout the industry, it’s important that we, as a community, take a stand to prioritise mental health. You never know who may need help, or when. Additionally, exhibitions can be overwhelming, so it’s important that we are neuroinclusive and provide an area for people to recalibrate at the show.”
The Cyber Wellbeing Corner will be located within the International Cyber Expo, taking place at Olympia London on the 26th and 27th September 2023. The Corner will also feature a dedicated quiet space, pay-what-you-like masseurs, a resource wall with various helplines and support websites, a hydration station, and a soft seating area. There will also be wellbeing experts on hand from The Zensory, as well as representatives from Jamf.
Yvonne Eskenzi, Co-Founder of The Zensory, adds: “It’s incredibly important to look after the wellbeing of cybersecurity professionals. After all, they protect all of us and our organisations. Having been in the industry for three decades, it’s evident that the problem isn’t getting better. What the industry needs is changemakers who are willing to dedicate time and effort to reducing burnout and mental health issues across the industry. That’s why The Zensory are thrilled to be supporting The Cyber Wellbeing Corner, as the first of its kind at cybersecurity exhibitions.”
The Cyber Wellbeing Corner will feature the foundation of the new Cyber Wellbeing Commitment, a commitment made for and by the cybersecurity community to better mental health in the sector. There will be a chance for cybersecurity professionals to shape this commitment based on change they want to see reflected in the industry. Additionally, organisations and individuals can register their interest in the charter to provide ongoing feedback.
Aaron Webb, Senior Product Marketing Manager – Security at Jamf, says: “The Cyber Wellbeing Corner aligns with everything we believe in as a business, that’s why we’re incredibly proud to be sponsoring it. We must support professionals across the cybersecurity industry and having spaces like this at events is a great first step. Wellbeing support, like technical solutions, are never a ‘one size fits all’ exercise, but an ongoing commitment.”
The Cyber Wellbeing Corner can be found at the International Cyber Expo, held at London Olympia on the 26th and 27th September. Registration for the event is open now. To register for FREE as a visitor sign up at: https://ice-2023.reg.buzz/eskenzi
