The hospitality sector has faced countless challenges in recent years, having a significant impact on hospitality worker wellbeing and mental health. The continuous pressure to adapt around COVID restrictions, supply chain issues and staff shortages has meant that those in the industry have had little certainty. But what impact has this had on hospitality worker wellbeing and how can businesses support their teams?
We take a look at the wellbeing strategies that hospitality businesses can introduce for 2023 and beyond.
The Shift Towards Hospitality Worker Wellbeing
Hospitality worker wellbeing has never been more important, with this now being a vital part of any business’ strategy.
Paying attention to hospitality worker wellbeing creates happier, more productive teams, as well as promoting a healthy work-life balance that makes employees feel valued.
Hospitality Worker Mental Health Statistics
It is clear that there is a need for increased awareness of hospitality worker mental health and wellbeing. These statistics give a snapshot into the challenges faced by those in the industry.
- Stress, anxiety or depression account for 51% of work-related ill health cases
- Approximately three in five hospitality workers struggle with a mental health issue in their career
- 72% of workers in the sector have been concerned about the mental health of their colleagues
- 44% of hospitality workers say they do not have anybody to talk to about their mental health at work
- 51% say they do not have any mental health awareness training or qualifications and 59% said their workplace does not offer mental health training
- 44% would be keen to take part in mental health awareness training if it was made available to them
Common Hospitality Employee Issues Impacting Wellbeing
With 84% of those working in hospitality reporting feeling increased stress as a direct result of their job, we outline four of the most common hospitality employee issues that impact wellbeing, outlining key considerations that can help to overcome each.
Abuse from customers
Antisocial behaviour from customers is one of the most common issues that has a negative impact on hospitality employee wellbeing. During busy periods, this can become worse.
To overcome this issue, it’s important to note that the age-old saying “the customer is always right” is not always the case if somebody is acting unfairly. Many businesses have introduced zero-tolerance policies towards abusive customers to protect their employees, with effective management playing a key role in supporting frontline staff.
The Cost Of Living
With the cost of living crisis set to continue, 55% of HR and leaders have said that the increased cost of living is one of the top three factors impacting people’s wellbeing.
Hospitality businesses can proactively support their teams as the cost of living increases, offering workshops and resources to help people look after their financial wellbeing as best as possible.
Employee Retention
Recent years have seen more people reconsider their careers, with the average hospitality worker spending 12 months at each job. Combined with staff shortages, this places additional pressure on teams as employee retention is a continuous challenge for hospitality businesses.
Making the workplace a positive environment where team members feel valued and appreciated is important in keeping employee retention high.
Workplace Issues
Issues within the workplace can create a negative environment for staff. This then damages employee mental health, as well as causing a loss of productivity. Common workplace issues that impact wellbeing include:
- Lack of autonomy
- Unrealistic time pressures
- Discrimination or bullying
- Poor work-life balance
Why You Should Focus On Hospitality Worker Wellbeing
If you’re not already placing great importance on the wellbeing and mental health of your hospitality team, now is the time to do so. By designing support systems and equipping staff with everything that they need to thrive, you can ensure a positive workplace culture, while putting wellbeing at the core of your business.
What Can Hospitality Businesses Do To Support Workers?
These six steps can enable businesses to support hospitality worker wellbeing.
- Understand your team members’ challenges
The best way to truly understand the challenges that your team members face is to create an environment where staff can openly and honestly speak with management. By doing this, you are able to identify the most pressing issues and create strategies to support the team.
- Make sure staff are heard and understood
As well as having meetings where staff can honestly discuss the challenges that they face, it’s vital to make sure that this feedback is taken on board and acted upon wherever possible.
- Introduce support
Once you have identified areas that you can improve and support your team in, it is time to bring in the necessary additions. This can include training resources, team bonding days, financial advice workshops, or anything else you feel will positively enhance hospitality employee mental health.
- Training
Training is key to hospitality worker wellbeing, whether this is training staff to feel confident in their role, or training managers to manage a team effectively. Regardless of a person’s position in a business, having awareness of how to support team members with their mental health can make a significant difference.
- Introduce a wellbeing strategy
A wellbeing strategy is a set of values, ideas and initiatives that are designed to benefit staff. Keep reading to see what to include in your hospitality wellbeing strategy.
- Measure success and analyse feedback
For hospitality worker wellbeing to be the best it possibly can be, it’s essential to assess the benefits of your wellbeing strategy, speaking with the team and introducing any new ideas that you believe will create a positive difference.
What Should A Wellbeing Strategy Include?
A wellbeing strategy should cover the psychological, physical and financial wellbeing of your team. It should include immediate support and training, as well as long-term ideas to help people thrive in the workplace.
Here are some of the points that a wellbeing strategy can include:
Psychological
- Feeling of fulfilment from role
- Sense of purpose and accomplishment
- Positive relationships
- Ability to honestly discuss mental health if desired
- Two-way conversations
- Training and support
Physical
- Exercise
- Nutrition
- Sleep
- Healthy work-life balance
Financial
- Retirement planning
- Financial planning or budgeting advice
Invest In Hospitality Worker Wellbeing For 2023
Now is the time to put hospitality employees first, tackling issues that negatively impact wellbeing and putting support and training in place to create a positive environment. By prioritising hospitality employee wellbeing, it is possible to boost productivity and career satisfaction, helping to retain top talent and create an enjoyable space for staff and customers alike.
Holly brings a wealth of experience in both print and digital publishing and is very passionate about the hospitality industry.