Mental Health and the Hospitality Space

As I first started writing this blog, in March of 2014, I recognized what appeared to be a spike in suicides in our restaurant community. More than one well-respected chef had ended their life in the course of a few months. It felt like an epidemic. Besides the one’s we read about, I’m sure that if you are reading this, you may know someone in the community who has chosen to take their own life, or may be heading in that direction. Maybe they are struggling with alcohol, drugs or some other distraction to numb the ache of everyday life. I recently read a white paper by employment attorney Heather Bussing and wanted to share some of the insights from that work.

Mental health issues among food service workers are not new. The structure of our work lends itself to stresses in all areas of life. The sources of that stress may look like: 1)Time sensitive work - getting several tasks done within a time crunch. 2) The low wages - financial concerns . 3) The lack of medical benefits- well-being concerns. 4) Family concerns - taking care of family when schedules fluctuate. 5) Difficult personalities - difficult customers, harassment and bullying from inside and outside the restaurant.

Today as we work to remove the stigma from depression, in the workplace it remains a taboo subject. Our identities are tied up in our work, not to mention the security of income, health insurance and wanting to be accepted. But think of it this way: if someone has a broken finger, and their work requires them to type all day, you wouldn’t have any second thoughts about adjusting their work around the broken finger. Depression doesn’t show itself the same way but it require the same level of attention and compassion.

However we can use some tools to 1) help identify depression in ourselves and others, 2) offer support in an appropriate way and 3) alter our practices to alleviate the cause of the stresses to begin with.

A person dealing with situational depression may be exhibiting any one of these behaviors:

• Constant self-doubt

• Relentless criticism of self and/or others

• Small things seem huge

• Sadness that doesn’t seem to have a cause

• Seeking perfection

• The inability to rest or slow down

• Having to rely on coping strategies more and more.

You have an employee who’s performance is flagging, attitude is shifting, coming to work late, having trouble keeping up. Your inclination may be to assess this as a personality failing, while it may truly be a factor of situational depression. These are red flags that you should feel comfortable addressing. Take them aside and be curious and compassionate. Mention to them that you are observing this behavior and ask them what they are dealing with. They may not open up, but offer some resources that might help. You are not being a therapist here, but being a trusted ear - listening for what accomodations you can make for this employee’s wellbeing.

What does appropriate support look like? Maybe the employee just needs a couple of days off to manage something. They may need space to express a concern about pay. They may need to know that some bullying behavior will be addressed. Within the work day, there are not many opportunities for employees to bring their concerns to you so make space for that. You are finding out this information to adjust the work to this immediate need and to express a concern for the individual.

As part of your ongoing culture work, consider what your employees might be dealing with and where you can provide support. For example, many employees may have transportation issues. Encourage car pooling and schedule people accordingly. Others may be caring for a child or elder - provide them with resources for caregivers. Create a clear and equitable wage schedule so that employees know what they must do to move into a new wage band. Offer a low-cost healthcare option for employees who aren’t eligible for your healthcare plan. (FSA, catestrophic coverage, access to an urgent care clinic). Give paid mental health days once a quarter. Think creatively and intentionally about to support your employees and ask them frequently about what they need.

Letting your employees know that you have a caring culture will have employees doing their best work and being their best selves on your team.

Please check this article for great resources

#mentalhealth #restaurantculture