Keep an open mind over mental health
For an industry that relies so heavily on a workforce that is tasked with looking after and caring for its guests and customers, how often do hospitality companies really take the time and trouble to ensure that their staff are in the right place, mentally and emotionally, to do their job to the best of their ability?
The tough economic climate has meant that we are all working harder, often for more hours, under the increased pressure of having to perform better all the time. While some people have no difficulty in rising to the additional challenges, for those with a fragile mental state, the burden of having to complete yet another task can be the trigger for a serious mental illness.
The loss to British industry through poor mental health is a staggering £25b a year. To this end, Caterer and Hotelkeeper, backed by leading mental health charity Mind, is today launching the Open Minds campaign to raise awareness of the extent of mental health problems experienced by hospitality professionals.
By sharing the stories of individuals who have experienced mental heath illness, we hope to be able to dispel the stigma attached to these problems. And though our bespoke online survey (www.catererandhotelkeeper.com/open-minds),,) we shall be finding out just how much the working environment within hospitality contributes to poor mental health.
By Janet Harmer
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