UK: Charity, Hospitality Action, has found hospitality workers are struggling with their mental health and a third of employees don’t feel supported by their organisations.
The survey of more than 500 hospitality workers this June revealed a significant increase in the proportion of hospitality workers reporting mental health issues in their careers, rising from just over half, 56 per cent, in 2018, to 64 per cent in 2020, and 76 per cent in 2024.
Chief executive at Hospitality Action, Mark Lewis, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis devastated our industry, as evidenced by these survey results and the surge in calls to our helplines.
“A fundamental, permanent shift in attitude towards mental health is essential to provide the crucial help and support needed to sustain a resilient and healthy workforce in our industry.”
More than two-thirds, 69 per cent, of respondents said they have experienced mental health challenges in the last five years since the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis. Forty nine per cent said this was in the last two years alone.
Those who took part were also asked to identify the top three challenges they were likely to face over the next year.
Managing a good work/life balance was cited as a primary challenge (60 per cent) while managing mental health and finances were 44 per cent and 42 per cent respectively.
The main challenges respondents think they will face in the workplace over the next year are work/life balance, 45 per cent, high expectations/workload, 43 per cent, and long hours, 40 per cent.
Opinion was divided about whether hospitality organisations adequately support employee wellbeing.
Two-thirds, 62 per cent, of respondents believe their employer creates an environment where their mental health can be openly discussed, and that they have a good work life balance.
But 38 per cent of employees do not feel either of these to be true.
This ‘lost third’ tends to be in more operational roles and are generally amongst less experienced team members, highlighting the need for employers to make sure nobody is left behind in terms of employee communications.
More than half, 52 per cent, of respondents would be comfortable to discuss their mental health with their employer but 65 per cent said they would be reticent to vocalise a mental health challenge due to fears it could negatively impact their career progression.
However, the survey found 85 per cent of respondents feel that they can recognise the signs to look out for if a colleague is struggling and 79 per cent would start a conversation.
Regarding the assistance most likely to be offered to an employee citing a mental health issue, 71 per cent of employers said they would look to change working patterns to help improve work/life balance and reduce stress.
Two-thirds, 67 per cent, would also signpost employees to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
UK charity, Hospitality Action is urging the industry to review its mental health and wellbeing provisions with a view to substantially enhancing protocols and initiatives to better support employees, and nurturing an environment in which it is safe to voice concerns without fear.
Lewis added: “Despite significant progress in recent years reducing the stigma associated with mental health and wellbeing, it is evident that we still have a long way to go.
“Employers must take the lead by creating a work environment that prioritises a balanced work/life dynamic and which encourages open, honest discussions without fear of negative repercussions.”
The survey was conducted between May and June this year with 520 people taking part. 20 per cent of respondents were employees/owners, 34 per cent were managers/heads of department and 46 per cent were employees.
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