Mental Health at the Center of Conversations in Hospitality

Let’s face it—mental health in today’s world is more crucial than ever, especially when we’re talking about the high-pressure environment of corporate America. And no, this isn’t just another trendy topic; it’s a serious issue. Workplace suicides have skyrocketed since the early 2000s. Just to put things into perspective, back in 2005, there were 180 reported cases. Fast forward to 2019, and that number jumped to a staggering 307. Even though 2021 saw a slight dip to 236 cases, the trend is clear—and it's alarming.

I’ve got to give a shout-out to CHART (Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers) for keeping mental health at the center of our industry conversations. At the Chicago conference, I had some eye-opening chats with colleagues who, just like me, are grappling with the same issues. And guess what? Stress and anxiety were the headliners, no surprise there. But what about the less talked about struggles—like depression, bipolar disorder, ADD, or ADHD? These are just as real and just as damaging. Loneliness? It’s a huge factor that only adds fuel to the fire.

A 2023 study by Censuswide dropped a bombshell: nearly eight in ten employees—yeah, you read that right, 78%—are considering quitting their jobs because of high stress levels. That’s almost everyone! During the conference, Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo spoke about "mastering the art of mattering," and honestly, I couldn’t agree more! Mattering is exactly what it sounds like—feeling like you actually matter. When someone feels valued, a sense of purpose and pride kicks in. You start feeling excited to work, more inspired to create. I mean, who wouldn’t want that?

And here’s the kicker—taking care of your employees’ well-being doesn’t cost you a thing! A simple acknowledgment of their hard work goes a long way. And I’m not talking about those once-a-month, obligatory “Employee of the Month” deals. I’m talking about genuinely recognizing their efforts regularly. What’s in it for you, you ask? Oh, just a little thing called increased productivity. Not to mention, the quality of work skyrockets too.

So, next time you’re tempted to brush off an employee’s mental health concerns, think again. It’s easier than you think to make a difference—and trust me, it’s worth every bit of effort.