Hospitality Action introduce new workplace wellbeing guide

The Morning Advertiser​ (MA) ​spoke to various operators within the industry to gauge their thoughts on wellness in the workplace and understand what support systems they have in place for their workers.

The new Hospitality Action guide titled: next steps: what the industry can do to improve wellbeing in hospitality​, was designed to bolster employee mental health and help aid workers within the trade. Hospitality Action CEO Mark Lewis shared the objectives of the scheme, he told The Morning Advertiser​: “We produced our step-by-step guide to help operators take those crucial first steps on their employee wellbeing journey. It provides actionable ideas that set the course to a more open and collaborative culture.”

Lewis added that, alongside other initiatives such as the ‘walk for wellbeing’ scheme, Hospitality Action’s main focus of the newly introduced guide was to “take action to retain and nurture their staff.” According to its website​, the group also offers an employee assistance programme, providing a range of different confidential, specialist and independent support services curated to aid employees who work within the hospitality industry and are in need of support.

Open and honest culture​

Emphasising ongoing challenges for hospitality workers, Lewis added: “Hospitality Action’s most recent survey results are a stark reminder that many in our workforce are struggling with their mental health and can feel disconnected from their employers’ wellbeing messaging.”

A similar figure within the hospitality industry is Kris Hall, founder of the Burnt Chef project. The project is an initiative centred around providing education, support and resources, to tackle mental health stigma​ throughout hospitality. He told The Morning Advertiser (MA):​ "Staff training requirements have changed significantly in recent years, with employee welfare and inclusivity being key areas for consideration.” Lewis emphasised that within hospitality, the key to ensuring high quality customer experiences, came down to the level of support provided to staff. He communicated that, if staff mental health and wellbeing were put first, customers would in turn receive higher quality experiences. 

Lewis continued: "Presenteeism (where people are at work but not well enough to be so) is costing the UK economy an estimated £55bn per year." He relayed that within his own studies of presenteeism in hospitality, "it had cost on average £500 per month, per employee, which was in over 55% of respondents." Lewis stressed that, these figures represent the vital need for a solid wellbeing strategy and supportive culture.

Exclusive insight​

A report provided by Money Business Loans​ revealed accommodation and food service activities were noted as some of the least desirable industries for job seekers.

Industries with the least amount of interest in open positions:​​

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Exclusive insight from the company showed accommodation and food service activities industry had less than one search per vacancy which was second to the manufacturing sector. Data concluded ‘despite being a large sector with many job openings, it struggles to attract enough search interest from job seekers and is the sector with the highest existing worker shortage.’  

The sector could, as a result be at risk of ‘experiencing serious staffing problems as the issue progresses.’ Data around mental health in the hospitality industry in 2023 also found that  86% of staff were likely to leave a job​ if no wellbeing help was provided. Research from HIT Training showed hospitality businesses that prioritised workers wellbeing, were more likely to foster longer lasting teams. A previous study from financial wellbeing experts, Wagestream also highlighted 67% of hospitality workers mental health was worsening because of financial concerns.​ 

Barons Pub Company senior manager of people practice and development Charlotte Edwarde voiced her opinions on workforce wellbeing and underpinned the importance of facilitating a nurturing environment in the workplace: “We believe employee wellbeing is supported by creating a community of people, working together, feeling valued and providing an inclusive environment where people can be the best versions of themselves!”

Barons is a three time Publican Employer of the Year award winners as well as winners of the Licenced Trade Charity Employee Wellbeing award 2023. Edwardes provided some examples of active initiatives at Barons, such as its daily team briefs with wellbeing focuses, leadership and emotional intelligence training and wellness action plans among many others. She stated: “At Barons we recognise our legal responsibility to look after our employee’s total well-being, however more importantly for us we champion our moral duty.”

Edwardes reiterated she felt, a safe environment for workers can help to provide clear understanding of expected responsibilities and foster motivation and productivity. She emphasised that their ‘celebrate success!’ at Barons, has increased employee commitment to their business objectives and created a positive culture celebrating career progression.   She stated: “Providing a physically and emotionally safe environment that is inclusive is also essential to ensure your teams are free from any type of discrimination or harassment.”