The popular Cyber Wellbeing Corner will return to year’s International Cyber Expo, in partnership with popular wellbeing and productivity platform The Zensory. The Cyber Wellbeing Corner, a space dedicated to the wellbeing of cybersecurity professionals, will return to the event, held at Olympia London on 24th and 25th September 2024, for the second consecutive year. The initiative was a first for cyber industry exhibitions globally in 2023, showing ongoing commitment to bettering the wellbeing of cybersecurity professionals.
Cybersecurity professionals, often the unsung heroes of our digital age, face immense pressure and stress in their roles. One study revealed that over half of cybersecurity professionals have reported feelings of depression or anxiety due to work-related overwhelm. To address this growing concern, it’s imperative to create safe, neuro-inclusive spaces for cybersecurity professionals to decompress. Initiatives like the Cyber Wellbeing Corner provide a much-needed sanctuary for those working on the front lines of digital defence.
This year’s interactive Cyber Wellbeing Corner will be nature themed, as research has shown that being in or around nature has a plethora of wellbeing benefits. Research by the Mental Health Foundation found that nearly two-thirds (65%) of people experience positive emotions (calmness, joy, excitement or wonder) from being in nature. The survey also found that 70% of UK adults believe being close to nature improves their mood and nearly half (49%) reported that being close to nature helps them to cope with stress. Additionally, one study found that just viewing images of naturescapes reduced stress levels, due to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. As exhibition spaces can be overwhelming, with lots of noise and bright lighting, this will likely be a welcome addition for visitors.
This year, The Zensory will create a serene oasis, offering aids to help attendees feel calm and relaxed. The Corner will be an immersive space that brings the outdoors inside. Research has found that listening to naturescapes has a physiological effect on the bodies, reducing fight-or-flight instincts and increasing relaxation. There will also be wellbeing experts on hand from The Zensory, who can signpost professionals to external places of support, as well as advise business leaders on workplace wellbeing strategies.
The Cyber Wellbeing Corner initiative, spearheaded by Nineteen Group, organisers of International Cyber Expo, and The Zensory, won an award for Best Use of Partnership at this year’s EN Marketing Awards. The award was a reflection on the success of the zone, as well as a testament to the industry’s need for similar spaces.
Jasmine Eskenzi, Founder and CEO of The Zensory, said: “The 2023 Cyber Wellbeing Corner was an important space for both the show and the wider industry. The Corner set a precedent for other exhibitions across the industry and took a powerful stance against industry-wide burnout. We’re proud to be involved with the expansion of this award-winning space and look forward to discussing healthier work habits with visitors at the show.”
Visitors to the International Cyber Expo will also be able to try The Zensory app on The Zensory’s own stand (located K40). The Zensory is an immersive, evidence-based wellbeing and productivity platform that helps users transform their mood, elevate their work habits, and promote a state of focus and/or relaxation.
Jasmine Eskenzi, Founder and CEO of The Zensory, will also be joining Andrew Rose, Chief Security Officer of SoSafe, and Chris Denbigh-White, CISO at Next DLP, for a discussion on burnout on the Diversity & Skills Stage on Day One of the Expo (Combating Burnout to Protect Both Your Data and Your Ethics, 14:00 pm). The discussion will focus on the impact of burnout on security teams and how managing human risk is key to protecting an organisation and its people.The panel will discuss pragmatic solutions to help professionals thrive in today’s cyber industry.
Jasmine Eskenzi continues: “At The Zensory, our aim is to create a cultural change within the industry. In order to do this we want to demonstrate ways in which wellbeing can be practised in everyday life, showing how simple it can be. We want to show that wellbeing isn’t a tick box exercise, but is a major paradigm shift that must happen within the industry in order to make a more sustainable future. That’s why spaces like these are so important at shows.”
The Cyber Wellbeing Corner will be located within the International Cyber Expo, taking place at Olympia London on the 24th and 25th September 2024. The space is also open for visitors of the co-located International Security Expo.
