The survey builds on previous research conducted in 2018 and provides a unique insight into the prevalence of mental health issues and responses to support mental wellness in the hospitality workplace.
The impact of Covid-19 leading to uncertainty around the long-term viability of hospitality businesses and jobs is clear: only 38% of respondents said they feel positive about their future in the industry, and more than 60% reported feeling worried, stressed, demotivated or frustrated about the future. What’s more, over one third of those polled, 36%, admitted they are considering leaving the industry in the coming year.
However, the research reveals green shoots of progress in attitudes towards mental wellness across hospitality. The survey found that three quarters of respondents feel their mental health and wellbeing is a priority in the business they work for; while the number of people who said they feel supported by their employer has risen to 38% from 29% in 2018.
Further progress was demonstrated by the fact that 80% of those questioned said they know the signs that a colleague may be experiencing poor mental health and almost as many – 75% - said they would be comfortable having a conversation about mental wellness with a colleague.
What’s clear from the survey, is that there’s increasing evidence that employers across the sector are starting to take steps towards normalising mental health conversations and supporting team members exhibiting issues.
Where a conversation does take place, employers are able to support by offering changes in working patterns to support colleagues and recommending their staff seek counselling from the NHS or HA’s own EAP programme.
Mental Health Awareness training is also an area where there appears to be both increased focus and investment in team wellbeing with 32% offering training to both employees and managers compared to 18% in 2018. Although 49% of 2020 respondents were unsure if any training was available at any level within their organisation, an improvement on 2018 where 63% of respondents were unsure if this type of training was an option.
To mark World Mental Health Day the charity have published the survey report, you can download it below. Over the coming weeks the charity will analyse it further and share how the results will help us set the direction of their ongoing mental health provision.
Source: Hospitality Action