4 ways to support mental health issues in your hospitality venue
This week marked World Mental Health Day. Hospitality is an industry that was already reported to have high levels of mental health issues and burn out, and we’re heading into what could well be the most challenging winter many of us have seen. So, we’ve pulled together some useful resources, and identified how you can ensure you’ll looking out for your staff.
Coming out of the pandemic, the ONS reported over half of adults (53%) say Covid-19 affected their well-being, and 47% of us were experiencing a high level of anxiety. These numbers aren’t specific to hospitality, so layer that with long, unsocial hours and the need to provide service with a smile no matter how you’re feeling. Throw the well-publicised cost of living crisis into the mix as well, and you can guarantee these numbers will be even higher.
Thankfully through campaigning, and people opening up about experiencing mental health problems, it is becoming far more accepted to talk about any issues and seek help. There is, however, still a long way to go until mental health is given the same acceptance and importance as our physical health. What can you do in your business to help?
1. Create a culture where staff can be open and honest.
The very best thing you can do to help your team if they may need some emotional support, is to be clear you will take it seriously. A recent survey found that 1 in 5 people felt they couldn’t tell their boss if they were overly stressed at work, and less than half of people diagnosed with a mental health problem had told their manager. (MIND)
Regular catch ups over a coffee, or more formal 1-2-1 sessions and appraisals will allow staff to voice any concerns work, or non-work related early on. Taking the time to sit down and catch up outside of busy shifts will show you care about your team as people. Checking in on and knowing your team will also allow you to notice changes in behaviour, even if someone isn’t forthcoming in opening up about any issues.
Being open and honest works best when it’s both ways. If there are concerns when it comes to the business amidst the current climate, be honest with your team. Chances are if you’re stressed or worried, people who work for you will have picked up on it and may be thinking the worst.
2. Encourage an active, healthy team
Top tips from the NHS to look after your mental health include, connecting with others, living a healthy, active life & doing something for yourself.
Some great friendships and sense of camaraderie have always existed working in the hospitality industry, usually over pints and shots on team nights out – but encourage your team to get outside as part of team bonding sessions. Why not organise a friendly kick about with another local pub, or against a team of your customers? Or perhaps there are some great walks or cycle tracks near your venue?
As budgets tighten, you may find some members of staff are having their main meal of the day whilst at work. Do you offer free or subsidised staff meals? Consider how healthy and nutritious the options are, setting them up with a good meal can go a long way to keeping them fit in both mind and body.
3. Look out for any alarm bells
Everyone will have a different experience of mental health, and there may well be no visible signs to an outsider. However, mental health charity Mind identified the following behavioural clues that someone may be struggling.
- Changes in people’s behaviour or mood or how they interact with colleagues
- Changes in their work output, motivation levels and focus
- Struggling to make decisions, get organised and find solutions to problems
- Appearing tired, anxious or withdrawn and losing interest in activities and tasks they previously enjoyed
- Changes in eating habits, appetite and increased smoking and drinking
If you notice any of these, take the time to ask is everything ok. Even someone who may not have felt comfortable to come to you with a problem, may find it easier to open up if you start the conversation.
4. Know the resources and help available
If you do find a team member needs some extra help, there are a number of great resources out there.
Your venue may be part of a larger group or company who has HR procedures in place, if so, speak to them and see what help or assistance is available. If you’re a small, independent, lean on the charities and organisations available to you. Here are some good options.
- Hospitality Action – Employee Assistance Programme – enables employers & employees to get confidential support on a number of mental health and well-being issues
- Mental health charity Mind - have a number of great resources and advice on their website to help you come up with a plan to help someone in the workplace
- Now Pause – provide free podcasts and practical self-help tools. For example, a short audio to listen to before a busy service
Of course, it’s not just your team who may be experiencing mental health issues, make sure you’re looking after your own mental well-being. If you are feeling anxious, low or experiencing any other symptoms of mental health problems, seek the support you deserve.
At Tabology we live and breathe hospitality and our dedicated to the industry and its people. We offer a range of technologies to help hospitality businesses, all centred around our hospitality EPOS system. If want to know more, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you.
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