Almost two-thirds of hospitality managers who have experienced a mental health issue during their adult life say it was triggered by their work, according to new research from Hospitality Action.
The charity’s latest Taking the Temperature survey, conducted in association with Agilysys, highlights the growing wellbeing responsibilities being placed on hospitality managers while many face significant pressures of their own.
Some 65% of managers who reported experiencing a mental health issue said work had been the trigger.
Across all hospitality professionals surveyed, 40% said they had been asked to support a colleague experiencing a mental health challenge during the past year.
Among managers, however, that figure increased to 61%, highlighting their growing role as a first point of support for employees experiencing difficulties.
The findings also indicate a need for greater training.
Almost half of respondents, 47%, said they wanted more management training to help leaders recognise and respond to mental health and wellbeing concerns.
More than eight in ten managers, 83%, identified taking the time to listen as the primary form of support they provide to colleagues.
Hospitality Action said providing managers with greater confidence, practical skills and tools to handle these conversations will become increasingly important.
Managers identified maintaining a healthy work-life balance and protecting their own mental wellbeing as the two biggest challenges they expect to face over the next 12 months.
High workloads, growing expectations and regularly working beyond contracted hours were also significantly more likely to be cited as challenges by managers than other hospitality professionals.
Despite the pressures identified, the research found signs of progress within workplaces.
Around two-thirds of respondents said they have a good work-life balance and believe their workplace provides an environment in which mental health can be discussed openly.
More than half, 54%, also said they feel their wellbeing is supported by their organisation.
Mark Lewis, Chief Executive of Hospitality Action, said: “Hospitality managers are increasingly expected to be all things to all people – mentors, problem-solvers and the first people colleagues turn to when they’re struggling.
“Yet many are carrying that responsibility whilst battling their own pressures which can be at the expense of their wellbeing.
“The hospitality industry has made real progress in breaking down the stigma around mental health, but these findings clearly show there is more to do.
“Managers should not be expected to shoulder this responsibility alone. Those supporting others need to be supported themselves, and creating mentally healthy workplaces requires embedded commitment from every level of an organisation.
“Only then can we ensure we’re protecting the wellbeing of entire teams and creating a more resilient industry.”
Hospitality Action’s next Walk for Wellbeing fundraising campaign will run from World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10 October until Sunday 25 October.
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