OPINION: Mental health is everyone’s responsibility

In fact, when was the last time you took time out of your day to ask team members how they’re feeling and what’s going on for them at work and at home?

Given that mental health is the fifth most common reason for sickness absence[1] in the workplace and that 15% of UK workers are estimated to have a mental health condition[2], rising to a distressing 85% of hospitality professionals reporting symptoms of poor mental health[3], we all need to be having this conversation, regularly.

And yet – and I include myself here – it’s not automatically built into everyone’s DNA. It can take conscious effort and even diarised reminders to make the time, but a check-in can rebuild wellbeing, trust and in turn, productivity.  That means, both the employee and the employer benefit from having an open dialogue around mental health.

Depth of knowledge

Having these types of conversation are not always easy, however, and one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learnt over the years is that it’s OK not to have all the answers. Since joining the Licensed Trade Charity in March, I’ve been humbled by the depth of knowledge and experience held by the experts on our free Helpline. They provide mental health, wellbeing and financial advice for members of the licensed trade who find themselves in difficult and sometimes, overwhelming situations.

So, when I found myself in conversation recently with someone facing tough times, I was both relieved and pleased to be able to signpost to the charity’s free helpline. Our initial check-in got the conversation started and gave that person the confidence to get extra help. If I hadn’t checked in, I wouldn’t have known they were struggling and they may not have got the help they needed.

But not everyone wants to talk it through straight away. For example, we know 85% of Gen Z – those born between 1997 and 2012 – prefer live chat or automated customer service over phone calls[4]. This has significant implications for the hospitality sector and the way in which companies communicate with their workforce, as well as their customers.

Live Chat launched

In response, the LTC will be adding additional channels of communication to our helpline services, launching a new Live Chat function for those people wanting help via their keyboard, rather than the telephone, and introducing a new website optimised for mobiles, as well as desktops.

And so, if you didn’t manage to check-in with your team last week, my ask is you find time to do it in the next few days. People working in the licensed trade spend a lot of time looking after others, and we also need to look after each other. A simple check-in can make all the difference, not just to someone’s day but to how they feel about themselves, their job and their life.

[1] Mentalhealth.org

[2] Mentalheath.org

[3] Biggest Shift: How to improve retention hospitality​, ​February 2024

[4] Hootsuite, 2022

• If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, anxious or just not themselves, get in touch with LTC’s free 24/7 Helpline: 0808 801 0550​

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