Hospitality workers in Suffolk urged to reach out for mental health support

New stats show more than half of those working in the industry have struggled with negative thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Author: Sian RochePublished 10th Sep 2024

Those in Suffolk working in the hospitality sector are being urged to reach out for support - if they're struggling with their mental health.

It comes as new stats from charity R;pple show more than half of those working in the industry have struggled with negative thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

Jon Neal's chief executive officer at Suffolk Mind - he's not surprised by this report: "Getting a good night of sleep is one of the best things you can do for your mental health, and in hospitality that probably is something that's affected by shift patterns that people have to work."

Jon says it's something the charity's supported people with before: "What some of the people we've spoken to have said is that they're not financially able to take time off work to meet with friends or hold down a relationship outside of work.

"That means they're not meeting some of those relationship needs that benefit a person's mental health."

Jon has this advice to help manage your mental health: "Try relaxation exercises like 7-11 breathing, where you breathe in for seven seconds and out for eleven seconds.

"It forces your body to relax and helps you to engage rational thinking so you're not catastrophising or worrying about everything around you."

R;pple's research also reveals that of those who rated their mental wellbeing as poor, two thirds (66%) of hospitality workers suggested that their work/job is the main catalyst - citing long working hours, zero-hour contracts and high stress environments as key reasons.

Jon has these tips for bosses to improve their staff's mental wellbeing: "Communicate even more than you normally would - perhaps about how well the organisation is doing and how secure everyone's job is.

"It really helps to tell the truth so if times are tough explain what's being done to make sure the business and people's jobs are still there in six months time."

Five commitments

Following this research, R;pple is calling on employers to sign up to its five commitments to pledge to make positive changes and protect their workforce.

These commitments include:

• Commitment 1: Even better communication to reduce the stigma of suicide & mental health

• Commitment 2: Upskill employees on how to support peers and raise concerns

• Commitment 3: Protect staff safety at every touchpoint

• Commitment 4: Ensure a ‘wellness action plan’ is in place

• Commitment 5: Provide support for each of the most triggering elements of the job

The research in more detail

R;pple's research reveals that 59% of hospitality workers are experiencing mental health issues whilst at work, and as a result over half have thought of suicide, self-harm or other harmful, negative thoughts.

Over half (55%) of respondents, who are or have experienced mental health issues whilst working in the sector, have also searched for harmful content online whilst in their workplace - with almost a fifth (19%) having done so multiple times.

Across the job roles, housekeepers/cleaners (67%), chefs (61%) and bartenders (60%) are the most likely to have searched for harmful content and those aged 35-44 (67%) are most likely across age groups.

It’s also notable that male hospitality workers are much more likely to have searched for harmful content than female hospitality workers (63% vs 44%).

Over two-thirds (61%) of those polled admit they have been concerned about a colleague’s mental-wellbeing and three quarters (75%) of hospitality workers were concerned that their colleagues were accessing harmful content while in the workplace.

The research also reveals that of those who rated their mental wellbeing as poor, two thirds (66%) of hospitality workers suggested that their work/job is the main catalyst.

Long working hours, zero-hour contracts, high stress environments and a work hard/play hard mentality are among the key issues listed as contributing to the problem in the industry.

Where to find support

If you, or someone you know is suffering with their mental health, or experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can speak to your GP. If someone's life is in danger - call 999 immediately.

You can also find help and advice from these services:

Hub of Hope - https://hubofhope.co.uk

Samaritans – Call 116123 - https://www.samaritans.org

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