Mental Health

Statistic: 75% of hospitality workers say that consistent communication and check-ins with managers are some of the most impactful ways to foster a supportive workplace environment.¹

Problem: In hospitality, we are all very busy and insufficient communication between manager and employees occurs for a variety of understandable reasons. Although it requires effort, if we do not make time for manager/ team communication we can create an unmotivated, uninformed, and discouraged team.

 “The ability of managers to communicate objectives, thoughtful decisions, openness to others, self-confidence, and loyalty to personal principles is important for increasing satisfaction (Baquero et al., 2019)… Unsatisfactory working conditions lead to work–family conflicts, time pressure, emotional exhaustion, and time stress, which ultimately result in high turnover rates (Deery & Jago, 2015).”² I think we’ve all had enough of high turnover!

            Solutions: Establish communication protocols with your team, clearly communicate them, and consistently follow through.

• Have casual daily check-ins, pre-shift lineups, or regularly scheduled team meetings.
• Encourage your team to reach out to a manager or teammate if they are struggling; assure the team they will not be judged or penalized for doing so.
• Create opportunities for team building and staff bonding outside of work hours.¹

For resources and more information, visit healthy-hospitality.org or contact us at hospitalityhealth@uhg.com.

By Andrew Baughman

Note: This piece focuses mainly on the topic of suicide, but the new hotline can be used for any mental health emergency. This topic may be sensitive for some readers.

Statistic: “In 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.2 million attempted suicide.”¹

Problem: Suicide and its associated stigmas exist in the hospitality industry just as they exist elsewhere. Those considering (or having considered or attempted) suicide are experiencing a tremendous amount of pain already (see “warning signs” below for reference), and the stigma surrounding their experiences can make their situation even more unbearable. Stigmas toward those who have thought about or attempted suicide can come in the form of unwanted assumptions, being perceived as fully intent on dying², weak and unable to cope with problems, selfish, thoughtless, or attention-seeking³. This impacts many involved: “stigma toward suicide moves parallel to the problem of perceived stigma for both those who have attempted suicide and by [their] family members.”³ Surviving family and friends may also feel anger, guilt, symptoms of depression or anxiety, and even have thoughts of suicide themselves, making the issue of suicide far-reaching.¹

Many people who feel conscious of this stigma have difficulty seeking help and even discussing their suicidal thoughts with their family and peers.² This is a huge barrier to suicide prevention, not to mention how the stigma is experienced systemically within health care, insurance policies³, and employment².

            Solutions: Suicide and its stigmas may seem like daunting topics to tackle as a person in a leadership position, but there are simple ways to encourage prevention and shift the culture:

• Promote connectedness in your workplace by thoughtfully communicating with your team.
• Establish company policies or programs that make mental health support accessible, such as an employee assistance program, telehealth, or simply demonstrate that you are there to support and help your employees.
• Be aware of warning signs:
  • talking about wanting to die, hurt oneself, being a burden, or feeling trapped or hopeless
  • withdrawing or feeling isolated 
  • displaying extreme mood swings
  • increasing alcohol or drug use
  • acting severely anxious or agitated^2,4
• If concerned about a team member, sensitively ask questions such as:
  • “How are you coping with what’s been happening in your life?”
  • “Are you thinking about hurting yourself or dying?”
  • “It sounds like things are really rough right now, and I am concerned about you. Are you thinking about killing yourself?”^2,4
• Spread the word in the workplace about the new Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 988, that connects people who are suicidal or in any other mental health crisis to a trained mental health professional.⁵

As June is upon us, summer changes manifest in all of our lives. An end of a school year for kids and the beginning of a relieving break, perhaps a stressful jumbling of schedules, or the start of the “busy season” or the “slow season”: such a transitional time for everyone can also bring about a time of reflection. 

For some, these reflections may be small, though not insignificant. For others, looking back at this time may involve feelings and traumas that are more difficult to tackle. The National Center for PTSD estimates that 60% of men and 50% of women will experience at least one incidence of trauma in their lives, any of which can cause long-term PTSD. Considering that statistic, it’s likely that someone in your workplace is experiencing PTSD of some kind.

What can PTSD look like, you ask? PTSD results from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD can cause lasting, disruptive impacts on someone’s life, including nightmares, heightened anxiety, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and avoiding daily situations that remind someone of the incident. 

That’s where employers come in: it’s essential to understand how PTSD can impact employees of all levels and to meet it with knowledge and compassion. No one should suffer alone, and everyone deserves to live their happiest, healthiest life. Let’s make this summer, and every day, an understanding one. Visit https://healthy-hospitality.org/  for resources to help you and your team stay physically and mentally healthy throughout the year. 

Sources: 

PTSD: National Center for PTSD Home (va.gov)

PTSD Awareness Month: What is PTSD? – Home Base Program

This month’s Mindful Minute is focused on the many benefits of “Grounding”. This simple act has re-energizing results. Give it a try!