World Mental Health Day gives us all a chance to reflect on how we prioritise the wellbeing of our teams and how we better communicate the support available.
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Quite often, we focus on how best to support employees while they are at work in our businesses but it’s important not to forget that there are added pressures that are happening externally.
The cost of living, family struggles, or sleep challenges – these are all realities that will have just as much of an impact on individuals as work pressure and put additional strain on the wellbeing and performance of our teams.
Pressure and performance
New LTC helpline data shows the most frequently reported work-related issues over the past 12 months were pressure (67%) and performance (61%) with anxiety and sleep disruption the most common wellbeing concerns.
This is deeply problematic. We are seeing teams are working incredibly hard through a pressured and busy period for the sector but many are also facing their own personal challenges outside of the workplace and are unable to switch off and get the downtime that they need when they are at home. When pressures at work are paired with challenges at home, the impact can be significant.
That’s why we have launched a new campaign, Always On Shift, to highlight the urgency of this issue. Pressure doesn’t always end when a shift does but accessible, confidential support is available.
At the heart of the campaign is a film that captures what a typical day can look like in the life of a hospitality worker. Mounting stresses from work and home take their toll but a tough day is greatly improved with the realisation that there is support available from the Licensed Trade Charity (LTC).
No one should suffer in silence
Last year alone, the LTC supported 45,000 people, while calls to our free 24/7 helpline increased by 55%. We also support employers to offer accessible wellbeing support at scale through our Employee Assistance Programme, helping them build healthier teams and provide trusted support for colleagues.
No one should have to suffer in silence or face challenges alone.
My ask this World Mental Health Day is that everyone watches Always On Shift, shares it with their teams and network, and uses it as a prompt to have a wellbeing conversation about what helps people switch off and what support they know is available for them.
With the right support in place, your teams can go into the festive season performing at their very best, delivering the warmth, vibrancy and high-quality service levels that our industry has become so renowned for.
