The UK hospitality industry is grappling with significant stress issues, intensified by a recent government policy reversal.
- A report highlights that 65% of hospitality workers experience stress, more than any other sector.
- A sharp increase in off-duty work-related rumination affects 95% of employees in this industry.
- The government dropped plans for a legal ‘right to switch off’, urging firms to self-regulate instead.
- WhatsApp dominates work communication, heightening concerns over blurred work-life boundaries.
The UK hospitality sector is encountering unprecedented levels of stress among its workforce. According to recent findings, 65% of employees in this industry report experiencing considerable stress, a higher percentage than in other sectors such as retail, warehousing, and transport. This stress is further exacerbated by the inability of 95% of these employees to disengage from work tasks once their shifts end. As a result, the industry is under scrutiny for its handling of employee mental health.
Earlier proposals for an Employment Rights Bill, which included granting workers the ‘right to switch off’, have been shelved by the government. This legislative U-turn has triggered calls for hospitality leaders to develop robust internal policies to safeguard staff wellbeing. The absence of a statutory framework raises concerns about inconsistent practices and potential exploitation of the workforce in maintaining work-life balance.
A concerning revelation from the study indicates that work-related communication predominantly occurs via WhatsApp, more frequently in hospitality than in any other sector. This mode of communication is not without its problems, as it contributes to the erosion of boundaries between work and personal time. Many employees find themselves unable to disconnect, continuously ruminating over work-related performance and systemic issues during their personal time.
Toma Pagojute, Chief HR Officer at Quinyx, expressed disappointment over the government’s decision to retract the proposed legislation, especially given its alignment with World Mental Health Day’s themes. Pagojute warns that the reliance on informal communication channels like WhatsApp could lead to further mental health deterioration and poses significant data protection risks for employers. She stresses the necessity for ‘cast-iron’ protocols that guarantee employees truly leave work behind during their breaks.
Moreover, the mental strain extends to financial concerns, with a notable proportion of hospitality staff worrying about low pay. The high-pressure environment often leaves employees contemplating their stressful work conditions even off the clock. This ongoing mental burden threatens not just individual health but also the operational stability of the hospitality sector if these issues are not adequately addressed.
The hospitality industry’s need to prioritise staff wellbeing has become more urgent following the government’s policy reversal.
