Hospitality bosses urged to prioritise employee mental health this Christmas

As the hospitality industry enters its busiest season, experts are urging bosses to prioritize employee wellbeing as longer hours, increased stress, and the cost of living crisis make an impact.

With staff shortages ongoing, a busy festive season could take its toll on workers if they’re not given the right support.

So how can bosses show employees that their wellbeing is the most important thing this Christmas? Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training, shares some tips on supporting

1. Encourage a healthy work-life balance

Dr Anderson said: “Hospitality workers are often working weekends, evenings, and bank holidays, including Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Whilst these dates do need covering, having an open conversation with the team to ensure they’re happy with the rota, and that it will allow them to take some time for themselves, could be a great way to show employees that their wellbeing really is front and centre.

“Keeping a flexible rota will also help encourage a healthy work-life balance: knowing that they are able to swap shifts with other workers will allow them to make plans in advance and have more events to look forward to. Often, weekly, fortnightly, or even monthly rotas can feel restrictive, so keeping it open and flexible, particularly around Christmas, is key to helping employees balance personal and professional commitments.”

2. Offer mental health training

Dr Anderson said: “Investing in mental health training courses for your team will not only help them to understand and manage their own wellbeing but also spot the signs of co-workers that might be struggling and know the best ways in which they can provide support.

“Being open and transparent with your team, and showing them that you understand that the festive season can be stressful in hospitality, and that you want to do everything you can to ensure that they feel fully supported will go a long way towards making them feel valued as employees. Starting with a training course is an effective, tangible way to put this into practice.”

3. Encourage open communication

Whilst some employees might be reluctant to discuss their mental health at work, make sure they know that if they want to, it is a safe space, there’ll be no judgment, and you’re willing to listen and support them through any struggles they’re experiencing (or direct them to professional support if that would be more beneficial).

4. Support with difficult customers

Customers at hospitality venues can be demanding and difficult, and occasionally people can be rude to staff, particularly during the busiest periods. Ensure that your team knows that you have their back, and to flag any issues that arise with yourself and the management team. Include a quick point in your briefing session prior to opening just reminding the waiting team of exactly what the policy is if they experience any rudeness from customers.

5. Look out for your own wellbeing

Dr Anderson concludes: “Remember to look after yourself too – you can’t help others if you are not well yourself. Try to ensure that you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and setting the necessary boundaries to maintain positive wellbeing through the festive season and beyond.”

For more information about High Speed Training’s Mental Health Awareness courses and tips around how to talk about mental health in the workplace, visit: https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/how-to-talk-about-mental-health/