Following the article, "Supporting Employee Mental Health in Hospitality", we delve deeper into how the hospitality industry can tackle mental health issues.
Reflecting on Episode 5, Season 1 of the Talking Hospitality podcast, titled "Changing Attitudes Towards Mental Health in Hospitality", it's clear the conversation has evolved—but the challenges remain pressing.
Mental health isn’t just a personal matter; it’s a workplace issue.
The podcast featured insights from Susan Grandfield, mindset coach, and Dan Grandfield, hospitality consultant, who shed light on how the industry has historically handled these challenges. But in 2024, what can hospitality leaders do differently to foster healthier workplaces?
Recognising the State of Play
In the podcast, Dan highlighted a cultural relic within hospitality: the "stiff upper lip." For years, calling in sick was seen as a weakness. Employees turned up, unwell and unmotivated, fearing judgment. While times have changed, elements of this mindset linger. Susan observed that while many have embraced mental health awareness, some employers still resist prioritising it.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
- Burnout epidemic: A 2023 study by the Mental Health Foundation revealed that 60% of hospitality workers experienced burnout, a 15% rise from 2019.
- Staff shortages: UKHospitality data from early 2024 shows that 22% of vacancies remain unfilled, with poor mental health cited as a significant reason for high turnover rates.
The takeaway? Ignoring mental health isn't just bad for employees; it's bad for business.
The Changing Conversation
The pandemic was a watershed moment, forcing businesses to address mental health more openly. As Susan remarked, “We now have an opportunity to create a better landscape.” This sentiment is more relevant than ever. Hospitality thrives on human connection, but stressed, unsupported staff can't deliver exceptional service.
Key Strategies for 2024
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Visible Support Systems
- Hospitality leaders must create environments where mental health conversations are normalised. Introducing mental health ambassadors and confidential helplines are great starts.
- Hospitality Action remains a vital resource, offering both financial and emotional support.
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Flexible Schedules
- Long hours and unpredictable shifts remain common grievances. While operational demands exist, creative scheduling solutions (e.g., 4-day weeks or split shifts) can reduce burnout.
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Wellbeing Integration
- Susan emphasised clarity and structure during the podcast. Providing clear expectations and structured workflows ensures staff know what’s expected of them, reducing anxiety.
- Simple practices like daily wellbeing check-ins or meditation spaces can transform workplace culture.
Hospitality’s Competitive Edge: People
Timothy R Andrews raised an excellent point in the podcast: “Great people working for you is a way to get customers in.” This couldn’t be truer in 2024, where customer expectations include visible signs that staff are valued and supported.
Hospitality businesses that invest in mental health become employers of choice, attracting top talent and loyal customers. Case in point: establishments like Dishoom, praised in the podcast for their structured approach to post-pandemic operations, have set a benchmark for excellence.
What Needs to Happen Now?
As Susan noted, creating a workplace where it’s “okay to not be okay” is non-negotiable. Here’s how you can lead the change:
- Lead by Example: Management must model healthy behaviours, openly discussing mental health and their own experiences where appropriate.
- Bridge Generational Gaps: Tracey Rashid highlighted the multigenerational workforce in Episode 34 of the podcast. Training managers to navigate diverse needs is critical for cohesive, supportive teams.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s a successful shift or a colleague’s personal milestone, recognising achievements builds morale and fosters connection.
Join the Conversation
Mental health in hospitality isn’t just a box to tick; it’s a fundamental part of business success. If you’re struggling, resources like Samaritans and Hospitality Action are here to help. For employers, now is the time to step up and lead the charge in creating workplaces where everyone thrives.
Let’s keep this conversation alive. What’s your organisation doing to prioritise mental health? Share your experiences in the comments below or tune into Talking Hospitality for more insights.
Resources:
- Hospitality Action: hospitalityaction.org.uk
- Samaritans: Call 116 123
- Mind: mind.org.uk
