{"id":322208,"date":"2024-09-20T10:20:21","date_gmt":"2024-09-20T14:20:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lgcassociates.com\/?p=322208"},"modified":"2024-09-19T15:35:17","modified_gmt":"2024-09-19T19:35:17","slug":"hospitality-industry-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lgcassociates.com\/es\/hospitality-industry-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Genuinely Support Your Hospitality Staff’s Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

Isn\u2019t it ironic that an industry built around providing comfort and wellbeing for others is facing one of the largest mental health crises today?<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2018, the tragic death of Anthony Bourdain \u2013 dubbed the <\/span>\u2018Culinary Hemingway\u2019 by Forbes<\/span><\/a> \u2013 shook the hospitality industry to its core. His suicide was a harsh reminder that, behind the fast-paced, customer-centered culture, the mental health of hospitality workers was being overlooked. In the wake of his death, many restaurants, hotels, and other businesses began examining their policies and communications surrounding mental health. In addition, nonprofits and support groups emerged to help break the stigma in an industry notorious for its demanding and relentless work environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

But six years later, how far has the hospitality industry really come? Today, during <\/span>National Suicide Awareness Month<\/span><\/a>, we will explore the factors contributing to the ongoing mental health struggles of hospitality workers and outline how you, as an employer, can take actionable steps to ensure your employees feel supported and valued.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Causes of Burnout and Mental Health Issues<\/b><\/h3>\n

Burnout and mental health issues in the hospitality industry are far from obsolete. Over <\/span>73% of restaurant employees are reported to be Gen Z<\/b><\/a>, and <\/span>adults aged 18-34<\/span><\/a> have the highest rates of mental health issues. So, what\u2019s driving this high rate?<\/span><\/p>\n

Post-COVID Staffing Shortages & Culture<\/b>
\n<\/b>The hospitality industry was hit hard by the pandemic, and staff shortages continue to place immense pressure on remaining workers. The hotel and restaurant industries are only just beginning to recover, but many still struggle with finding enough staff to not fall short. Thus employees have to fill the gaps, working extra hours in an already fast-paced, demanding environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Low Pay and Long Hours<\/b>
\n<\/b>The industry is notorious for low wages and extended shifts. Coupled with minimal breaks, this rigor leaves little room for personal recovery and balance. Since most positions aren\u2019t salaried, employees often feel they have no choice but to show up – <\/span>even when sick or injured<\/span><\/a> – because they lack benefits like paid time off or health insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lack of Employer Support<\/b>
\n<\/b>Though <\/span>84% of operators<\/b><\/a> acknowledge that their employees\u2019 mental health is important, many workers still report that they don\u2019t feel supported. The “work work work” mentality prioritizes productivity over wellbeing, creating a culture where workers are afraid to seek help, as it may interfere with their shifts. Which leads to being overworked and experiencing detrimental physical and mental symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a central part of any community, the hospitality industry can only thrive when its workers are at their best. Hospitality is a field of passion full of people who love working alongside other people. But shockingly, <\/span>45% of hospitality employees<\/b> wouldn\u2019t recommend this career to others<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>74%<\/b> have endured <\/span>verbal abuse or negativity from customers.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Statistics from the <\/span>Culinary Hospitality Outreach Wellness (CHOW)<\/span><\/a> group paint an even bleaker picture:<\/span><\/p>\n