The UK hospitality industry is grappling with significant stress among its employees, exacerbated by a government U-turn that affects workers’ rights.
- A recent report reveals that 65% of hospitality employees experience job-related stress, and 95% struggle to disconnect from work during personal time.
- Almost half of hospitality workers report that their job adversely impacts their mental or physical health.
- The reliance on WhatsApp for work communication in this sector is particularly high, leading to blurred work-life boundaries.
- Without legislative support, the onus is on employers to establish robust frameworks to protect employee wellbeing.
A comprehensive report highlights the pressing issue of stress within the UK hospitality industry, emphasizing the need for urgent action. A striking 65% of employees in this sector report experiencing stress at work, with an overwhelming 95% finding it difficult to switch off after their shifts. This data comes amid the government’s decision to abandon plans for legislation granting workers the ‘right to switch off.’ Such a move places the responsibility squarely on employers to create their own internal regulations to safeguard staff wellbeing.
The study conducted by workforce management experts Quinyx surveyed nearly 3,000 frontline employees across various sectors. The findings indicate that hospitality workers face greater levels of stress compared to peers in retail, warehousing, and transport industries. A significant 49% of these workers acknowledge that their job has negatively influenced their mental or physical health, underscoring the urgency for employer intervention.
One notable concern outlined in the report is the prevalent use of WhatsApp for work-related communications within the hospitality industry. Three-quarters of employees reported being contacted through this platform, a much higher percentage than in other sectors where dedicated tools and apps are more common. This practice contributes to blurred boundaries between professional and personal life, complicating efforts for employees to disengage from work during their downtime.
Toma Pagojute, Chief HR Officer at Quinyx, expressed disappointment over the government’s decision to retract the proposed employment rights, particularly as it coincided with World Mental Health Day, which emphasized workplace mental health. Pagojute warns that without clear legal guidelines, there is a risk of declining standards in managing employee stress, particularly in the fast-paced environment of hospitality. She highlighted potential risks including data privacy concerns and the detrimental impact on employees’ physical and mental health.
The research further reveals that 47% of hospitality staff continue to think about enhancing their work performance and aiding their companies even when off duty. Additionally, more than a third worry about inadequate pay and stressful working conditions during their personal time. Such findings illustrate the persistent pressure faced by employees, necessitating strong employer frameworks to ensure their wellbeing is prioritized.
The lack of legislative support puts the onus on hospitality employers to protect their employees’ wellbeing from stress-related issues.
