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