86% of staff likely to leave job if no wellbeing help

Data from HIT Training showed hospitality businesses that invest in and prioritise workers’ wellbeing are more likely to retain teams for longer.

The research, which came from nationwide consultation with employers and staff, showed 83% of employees were more attracted to working at a business with a progressive company culture.

Furthermore, almost three quarters (69.1%) of team members would like to see measures in place that help create a positive work-life balance, while mental health first aid was a priority for more than four in five (45.3%).

Benefits focus

HIT Training managing director Jill Whittaker said: “It’s clear to see employees around the country, but especially those in hospitality who have faced a tremendously difficult few years, are focused on the benefits that come with working for an employer that is invested in their wellbeing.

“For example, we know 59.3% of companies would consider offering first aid training for mental health to their employees, while 61.7% would be interested in focusing training to help create a positive work-life balance among staff so the demand is there from employers seeking routes to training too.”

Additional training

Moreover, employees were also asked how companies could enhance their benefits. Responses included training in areas such as diversity and inclusion of ethnic minorities within the workplace (19.8%), LQBTQ+ inclusion (17.6%) and understanding the impact of menopause (19.4%).

This follows information from workforce management specialist Bizimply earlier this month (January), which found hospitality firms called on their staff to work longer hours​ over Christmas 2022.

Analysis of data from thousands of outlets and tens of thousands of employees across hospitality showed the average hours worked per employee per week increased from around 28 hours in October up to around 32 hours during the second half of December.