“Busyness has become a status symbol”
– Harvard Business Review, 2023
People often associate being busy with being successful: where over commitment is the norm and being at capacity is a cop out.
It’s easy to see, when put in writing, that this mentality can be detrimental to our well-being and productivity, particularly in the workplace. But it’s even easier to forget this in practice. At the Edinburgh Training and Conference Venue, we believe that true success lies, not in how busy we are, but in how we manage our commitments and look after ourselves.
The Burden of Busyness
The idea that we must always be busy to be successful can create a toxic environment in and out of the workplace. It encourages individuals to stretch themselves unnecessarily thin, which can lead to burnout and a decrease in productivity.
How many times have you replied to an email whilst on a call? Or popped yourself on mute during a Zoom meeting to quickly check on another client? We juggle tasks and rush to meet everyone’s expectations, often forgetting that we are just one person trying to do it all.
A study conducted in 2001 proved that multitasking causes a significant decline in productivity. David Meyer, PhD said that:
“… even brief mental blocks created by shifting between tasks can cost as much as 40 percent of someone’s productive time.”
Yet, many of us dread to admit when we’re “at capacity”, fearing it reflects poorly on our competence and ability. Almost as if this is as big a failure as Boris Johnson trying to explain why he had a party during lockdown… However, recognising our limits is essential for sustainable, evergreen success.
Honesty in Event Planning
At the Edinburgh Training and Conference Venue, we prioritise realistic and achievable goals; understanding that each event has unique needs. Therefore, we are committed to providing support to our clients that ensures the success of their event. We take the time to discuss your aims and capabilities, to understand what matters to you and to help you create a seamless agenda that will build connections – and, most importantly, won’t send you loopy!
Transparency is key for the ETCV. Our approach is not about overpromising or trying to fit every event into our space just to gain business. If our dedicated coordinators feel that your event would be better suited to another Edinburgh venue, we will honestly communicate that. Looking for a place to practise your 300 person opera show? Then we may not be the venue for you. But that’s okay – no hard feelings! The goal is to ensure your event is a success, which sometimes means directing you to a more fitting location.
Just as you might need to admit when you’re at capacity, we too can recognise our limits. We avoid stretching ourselves too thin or cutting corners just to gain more business. This not only impacts our productivity, but can have a negative effect on your events’ success.
Creating a Supportive Environment
By fostering a supportive and honest environment, we help you bring your event ideas to life. Event planning doesn’t have to be a laborious chore that leaves organisers burnt out and exceeding capacity. ETCV encourages breaks, promotes well-being and provides seamless solutions that allow you to embrace all the possible positives that can come from collaborating, learning and networking with like-minded people. We strive to make our venue a place where attendees can truly engage and thrive, rather than just a stop on a busy schedule.
In a world that often celebrates busyness, it’s important to recognise the value of balance and mindful planning. At the Edinburgh Training and Conference Venue, we are dedicated to helping you create successful events that honour your limits and promote genuine collaboration.
Let’s redefine success together—where it’s not about how busy we are, but how impactful our experiences can be.
