Amid the hustle and bustle of day one at next week’s CasinoBeats Summit, one discussion featured is to take a close look at employee welfare and how the industry can safeguard its future.

Looking after employees is crucial as the sector moves faster than ever before, but how can the industry do so if it doesn’t protect its greatest asset? 

Sara Klimper, an igaming consultant, is to moderate a session titled ‘Taking the Strain‘ on Wednesday 18 September at 14:50 – 15:30, and believes more can be done by the industry to safeguard employees: “In my opinion the industry is not doing enough and still puts a big strain on its employees,” she says.

“The majority are still ashamed of admitting it due to the fear of  peers’ disapproval”

“Certainly, some companies do introduce procedures which might partly help those who are not afraid to seek help, but as a US study show, over 40 per cent of 18-59 year old employees are, or have been personally, experiencing a burnout. 

“However, it’s not only employees but also managers are affected by this syndrome, and the majority are still ashamed of admitting it due to the fear of peers’ disapproval or loss of work and income. We are on the right track but we need to do more.”

Before detailing what measures and initiatives could be introduced to ease the strain somewhat on employees in the midst of such a busy and fast moving work environment: “Even though burnout is not a new syndrome it has only been officially recognised by the World Health Organization as of as of May 2019, and the international classification of diseases as an ‘occupational phenomenon’.

“Thankfully as mentioned above, we as the industry and employers are on the right track of dealing with it. The most important factor is to understand the source of the burnout, what triggers this syndrome and its symptoms. 

“There are many studies done on this that have provided several strategies, but I think it is best if employees and employers jointly enforce mental health within the work space by providing the appropriate environment and ensuring a healthy work-life balance.”

“The industry is not doing enough and still puts a big strain on its employees”

Taking to the stage alongside Edward Ihre, founder, Ihre Consulting and former CEO Codeta and Thomas Smallwood, consultant and former CEO PlanetWin365, Klimper said of her CasinoBeats Summit debut: “CasinoBeats is known for hosting memorable events covering topics which are relevant to the entire igaming industry. 

“This year I am delighted to not only be a part of the upcoming event, but also share the stage with the two well-respected gentlemen Edward Ihre and Thomas Smallwood. 

“We will be delving into a deep discussion regarding their extensive experiences as c-level professionals in the last decade, and the challenges of managing workplace stress, strategies for coping and other aspects of taking the strain.

“Our industry is one of the most fast paced out there, we all rush to create, innovate, maintain, manage and increase, but lose our focus of the greatest asset there is. “

Before adding: “I truly hope that our brave panellists will shed light on this phenomenon by sharing their experience, overcoming strategies and inspire the audience to take an active part in this panel and take away as much advice as possible to improve their mental health well-being. 

“Hopefully the crucial importance of this matter will be fully understood and some companies will introduce some procedures into the work environment and company culture.”

The CasinoBeats Summit takes place at Olympia London on September 17-20, alongside Betting on Sports – learn more and buy tickets for the CasinoBeats Summit here.

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