New research has highlighted the high levels of stress in the UK hospitality sector. 65% of workers say that they are stressed at work, and 95% cannot switch off their jobs at home.
The government has reversed its plans to grant workers the “right to switch off” as part of the Employment Rights Bill. Hospitality bosses have been urged to create their own “ironclad” frameworks to protect the wellbeing of staff.
In the 2024 State of the Frontline Study, workforce management specialists Quinyx interviewed almost 3000 UK frontline workers about their work experiences. The study found that UK hospitality workers are more likely to experience job-related stress than those in other deskless industries, such as retail, warehouses and transportation. They are also less likely to be capable of ‘leaving work behind’ after a shift.
Nearly half (49%) all UK hospitality workers claim that their job has had a negative effect on their mental or physical health.
Three-quarters of employees are contacted by their bosses via WhatsApp, while the other industries use different tools and apps.
Nearly half (47%) of the 95% hospitality staff that say they consider work when they are not working, think about how to improve their performance and benefit their company. Over a third of hospitality staff (37%) are concerned about low wages, and another similar number (34%) consider their stressful workplace during downtime.
Toma Pagojute is the chief HR officer of Quinyx. She says, “It is highly disappointing that the Government has abandoned its plan to legislate the ‘right to switch off.’ This announcement coincided this year with World Mental Health Day which focused on workplace mental wellbeing.
“It seems that businesses will be asked instead to create their own codes. I am concerned that businesses will find it too easy to let standards slip, especially when they are in an industry with high turnover like hospitality.
“WhatsApp, Facebook and other social media may be convenient and quick for work-related conversations. However, work/life boundaries are blurred. It’s no surprise that hospitality staff find it difficult to switch off. Employers should also consider the data protection implications.
The hospitality industry is notorious for its breakneck pace and the staff are always at their best. Staff may quit if there are no cast-iron rules to guarantee uninterrupted time off. It could be devastating for the industry in either case unless health is prioritized.”
The original HR News article Hospitality managers are urged to protect the wellbeing of their staff following a government U-turn appeared.
