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

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

4 Support the mental health of employees’ families.

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).

Meet Up in Cadillac

» LOOKING FOR A SPOT to meet in Cadillac that can accommodate 100 guests or less? Two new venues might fit the bill: The Greenhouse at Willow Market & Meats and The North Room, which both opened last year.

Willow Market & Meats converted a greenhouse into an event space that can be used year-round. Now with a liquor license, The Greenhouse can host events in its 3,000 square feet of flexible space with a rustic, chic vibe, and that includes a dance floor, moveable square tabletops, and a bar. Guests can cater authentic Texas-style barbecue from Primos BBQ, which bought Willow Market in 2020.

The North Room is housed in an 1897-era building that served as a drugstore and five-and-dime shop. Ashley Clark, who owns The North Room with her husband, says the main event space is a little over 2,000 square feet. Those who rent The North Room can arrange their own caterer and beverages.

“We have what I believe are the original tin ceilings and hardwood floors,” Clark says. “The ceilings are … about 13 feet high. It’s a really beautiful space; it’s got a lot of historical character [and] a partially exposed brick wall on one side.” –Kathy Gibbons charmingnorth.com | willowmarket.com

New Hotels Sprout In Detroit

Detroit is experiencing a surge in new hotel construction. One of the newest is the Cambria Hotel Downtown Detroit, which offers three main meeting rooms. Its Sala Ballroom is the largest event space on the property at 3,715 square feet, and it can be used for banquets, conventions, and corporate events. Balla Detroit, another meeting room, features 2,366 square feet and has capacity for groups up to 237, depending on the configuration. The Rooftop Terrace offers stunning views of downtown Detroit and accommodates over 1,000 guests for cocktail receptions and other social events. An additional, smaller meeting space can host groups up to 28.

Anticipated to open in 2024, the AC Detroit at the Bonstelle aims to revive the aesthetic of the historic Bonstelle Theatre with its original 1903 exterior design. A glasscovered conservatory between the hotel and theater houses a fullservice restaurant that will also serve as event space for both properties— and includes a rooftop bar for gathering under the sky. –Eliana

Kinzer

cambriadetroit.com | marriott.com

Grosse Pointe War Memorial Makes Facility Improvements

» LOCATED ON THE SHORES OF LAKE ST. CLAIR, The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe recently underwent major renovations. With a range of meeting rooms equipped with Wi-Fi and other amenities, the memorial also features spaces for conferences, seminars, performances, and more.

This Memorial Day weekend, The War Memorial will dedicate The Fred M. Alger Center for the Arts, Culture, and Humanities—a $20 million addition that features a glass entrance colonnade, terrace that overlooks gardens and the lake, community room, reflection space with a fountain and historic D-Day flag, and more. The memorial will also invite guests to gather and reflect at the Les Braves II: At the Water’s Edge, a 50-foot-wide by 25-foot-tall sculpture that is the mirror image of the original Les Braves in Normandy, France. – Eliana Kinzer warmemorial.org

In Ann Arbor it’s easy to get down to business. Our welcoming city and friendly concierges are here to help you host your next meeting. Destination Ann Arbor was even named one of the Best MidAmerican CVBs/DMOs in 2022 by Meetings Today.

The city’s hotels and meeting spaces are accommodating and wired with the latest technology to keep you connected. Enjoy tastefully decorated spaces with comfortable seating and ample parking with plenty of EV charging stations.

Once your meetings are complete, explore one of the most walkable downtowns in America (named by the Walk Friendly Communities program in 2022). The city is filled with unique shops, worldly eats and lively patios perfect to raise a glass and celebrate a job well done.

DISCOVER WHY IT’S NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL IN A2.

BOOK YOUR NEXT MEETING TODAY AT ANNARBOR.ORG