The hidden hospitality crisis: The question of the mental health of overworked staff
The global hospitality industry, while celebrated for service and experience, is facing a growing mental health crisis. Behind the smiles and seamless guest interactions, workers are grappling with burnout, job insecurity, financial stress, and a persistent stigma around mental health. With a majority of hospitality professionals reporting poor mental health and nearly half of all managers facing burnout, the cost of inaction is mounting, from soaring turnover rates and absenteeism to reputational risks and declining service quality. This article unpacks the hidden toll of poor mental health in hospitality, analyses regional efforts across the globe, and offers actionable strategies for industry leaders. It makes the case for placing mental well-being at the heart of hospitality’s future.