Motivating and Energising Music Festival Staff.

Working for a music festival entity can be incredibly rewarding but at the same time staff face long unsocial working hours in a stressful environment. Keeping staff motivated and energised in these challenging conditions is vital to the smooth operation of the event making it an enjoyable experience for festival-goers. What steps can organisers take to motivate their staff.

Most festival entities employ a variety of staff with differing contract terms varying from full time permanent or full time short term contractors to part time ad-hoc staff. These are often considered the core team who will have responsibilities for every aspect of the event planning and management. Organisers rarely employ sufficient resources in an effort to minimise costs and this often leads to staff taking on multiple roles in a culture known for its long hours and fast paced stressful working conditions. An event’s success can depend on how motivated the staff are so it's essential that organisers consider strategies that help energise them for optimum performance. 

Great Planning. 
Organisers can minimise stress amongst staff if the event is well planned and organised and there numerous tools available that can help. A good event management software solution can assist enormously with the planning logistics with many elements automated. A good event software solution enables staff collaboration with the ability to generate notifications about key tasks and dates. Managing complex volunteer work shift patterns are always easier with a good software tool. Organisers should consider the on-site working environment for staff in their planning process which may include designated rest and catering zones to assist with staff wellness. 

Training and Staff Management.
An ongoing programme of training for all staff is essential as technology and planning logistics processes can constantly change. Any new processes or event management software should be accompanied by a structured training programme for staff. Every member of staff should have clear objectives and expectations for the role they are working in with regular two-way feedback sessions. Organisers should ensure that all staff get regular updates and briefings on current issues and improvements being made to make them feel informed and part of the bigger team. In addition regular team building exercises can help to boost collaboration and add an element of fun into the workplace. A robust communication process using walkie talkies or messaging Apps will ensure that staff remain informed about everything happening on-site which can reduce stress levels.

Positive Culture. 
It is the job of the organising entity to nurture a working environment that is considerate and fun for staff and this can be done by clearly communicating the organisation’s vision and event ethos. Success can be measure by assessing festival–goer feedback and this can help build a positive environment supported by staff recognition with post event celebration parties for example. Organisers must ensure that staff get sufficient breaks when working on-site and arranging artist meet and greets or providing VIP access can generate a feel-good mood. A management style that empowers its staff to make their own decisions contributes towards a positive working environment which is more democratic and free from fear. 

Recognition. 
It is essential that hard working staff are fully recognised and thanked for their contributions towards generating a successful event. This can be formalised within the organisation with official awards ceremonies or shoutouts to all staff and where possible should be accompanied by financial rewards or bonuses for example. Accomplishments can be determined by considering each individual's objectives and expectations against their actual performance. Public recognition is an excellent way to motivate staff for the future and contributes towards a positive feel-good working environment. 

For festival organisers planning their next events using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need manage every aspect of their event logistics. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists, contractors, venues/stages, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, guestlists, ticketing, site planning, cashless payments and contactless ordering.

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