Nourishing the Mind in Hospitality

The industry is making strides toward a healthier work culture

In all professional enterprises, workplace stress is a common cause of mental health concerns—and the hospitality industry is no exception. According to the 2021 Mind the Workplace report by Mental Health America (MHA), the hospitality industry ranked as one of the top three unhealthiest industries in terms of overall health, financial health, burnout, supervisor support, and mental health outcomes—no doubt heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it’s also important to note how the pandemic fostered an uptick in mental health discourse in the workplace and encouraged industry leaders to better support the mental well-being of staff.

Mental Health in the Industry

Hospitality professionals tend to work unusual hours, which can lead to exhaustion and stress (FHE Health).

Nearly two-thirds of supervisors feel their role has become more di cult since the start of the pandemic, and many feel ill-equipped to provide helpful mental health support to team members (Lyra Health).

Six Action Items for Employers to Support Mental Health (Lyra Health)

1 Supervisors need to listen to employees’ concerns and encourage dialogue around mental health.

of survey respondents are comfortable talking about their mental health challenges at work compared to 23% in 2021.

3 Provide easier access to treatment options for major mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

2 Ensure e ective care. On-the-job productivity is 27% higher among employees who received evidence-based treatments.

A study by Cohen Veterans Network and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing reports that 74% of surveyed Americans don’t believe reliable mental health services are accessible to everyone due to the following barriers:

High cost and insu cient insurance coverage

Limited options and long waits

Lack of awareness

4 Support the mental health of employees’ families.

5 Give managers the training and resources needed to support team members.

6 Design a positive and supportive work environment to combat burnout.

provide A Well-Rounded Benefits Program

According to MHA, the following perks are associated with the healthiest workplaces across industries:

Open-door policies and relaxed work environments

Pet-friendly o ces, on-site mental health services, and complimentary massage therapy

Opportunities for professional growth

Four out of five employers o er employee assistance programs to support mental health and assist with other issues that impact work and home life (America’s Health Insurance Plans).