Our policy paper looks at the mental health of the hospitality workforce and how it can be improved. 

Key Points

  • Hospitality is the third biggest employment sector in the UK
  • The working culture of the hospitality sector is currently stressful and demanding; three quarters (74%) have reported being verbally abused by a customer
  • As a result, many employees report poor mental health and wellbeing, with one in five (20%) reporting severe mental health problems they believe to be a direct result of their job
  • Our survey revealed that almost two thirds (62%) of workers do not think the sector looks after its employees
  • The mental wellbeing support available for workers is inconsistent, and where it is available there is limited awareness amongst employees

Suggested Recommendations

  • Employers to put in place systems and processes that protect mental health and wellbeing, including:
    • Sick leave
    • Regular one-to-ones between managers and employees
    • Mental health first aiders
    • Training, such as the RSPH Level 2 Award in Understanding Mental Wellbeing
  • Improved enforcement of employment rights
  • Further research into what hospitality can learn from best practice in workplace wellbeing within other sectors

 


Related RSPH policy

#StatusofMind

In May 2017, RSPH and the Young Health Movement published a report examining the positive and negative effects of social media on young people’s health