Stress management in the hospitality industry
Stress is a common problem in the hospitality industry. Employees in this sector often deal with high workloads, irregular hours, and demanding customers. This can lead to work stress, which negatively impacts both the physical and mental health of staff. Recognizing and addressing work stress is essential to maintain a healthy and productive work environment.
What is work stress?
Work stress arises from excessive pressure at work. This typically occurs when job demands do not match the capabilities of an employee, there is little support from managers and colleagues, and there is limited control over the workload. Short-term stress symptoms include tense muscles, sweating, rapid heartbeat, quick breathing, and high blood pressure. Other symptoms may include:
Feeling like you're on an emotional rollercoaster at work
Panic over work deadlines
Irritability
Loss of interest in work
Difficulty concentrating
Pain and discomfort
Social withdrawal
High blood pressure
Loss of appetite
Increased use of drugs or alcohol
Poor work performance
Procrastination
Long-term stress can lead to headaches, digestive problems, sleep disorders, worsened asthma, depression, and anxiety.
How stress arises in the hospitality workplace
Stress is a way our body responds to certain high-pressure situations. Our body releases specific chemicals during such situations that help us escape a physical threat. However, when stress is caused by emotional pressure, it hinders our ability to think clearly, and we often want to escape the situation. Employees in the hospitality sector often deal with high emotional stress because this sector is people-oriented.
Common triggers of work stress in hospitality
Everyone handles stress differently, so what may be stressful for one person may not be for another. In hospitality, work stress is often caused by specific circumstances:
Lack of control over work processes: Hospitality employees often need to respond quickly to unexpected situations, such as busy periods or last-minute reservation changes, leaving them with little control over their work.
Long working hours and mandatory overtime: The hospitality industry is known for its long hours, especially during peak times, holidays, and weekends, leading to exhaustion and increased stress.
Bullying at the workplace: The fast-paced and sometimes chaotic environment of hospitality can lead to tensions between colleagues, which can result in bullying.
Unclear or high expectations: Poor communication about what is expected from employees or setting high demands without proper resources can cause stress.
Lack of support, recognition, and reward: Hospitality workers often feel undervalued. Lack of recognition for their hard work and limited opportunities for promotion can lead to demotivation and stress.
Fear of being fired: Hospitality is a sector with high job insecurity, especially during economic downturns or other unforeseen events. This can lead to constant fear and stress among employees.
Inability to take breaks during the workday: During busy shifts, hospitality employees may find it difficult to take breaks, increasing their stress levels and decreasing their well-being.
Lack of time for activities outside of work: Due to long and irregular hours, hospitality employees often have little time for sleep, exercise, and social activities, which are essential for stress reduction.
Microaggressions and implicit biases at work: Discrimination and biases, sometimes subtle and not directly visible, can be a source of stress for employees, especially in a diverse and multicultural sector like hospitality.
Ways to manage work stress
Applying techniques to stay physically and mentally healthy can relieve and control stress. Try these tips to reduce work stress:
Identify your stressors: Write down what stresses you during the workday and how you respond to it. Maybe traffic in the morning makes you late and grumpy, or a noon meeting causes you to skip lunch. Note everything and think about healthier responses.
Practice relaxation techniques: Meditation, mindfulness, and grounding techniques like deep breathing can help calm the mind and body. Practice these techniques regularly so you can use them more easily when stressed.
Make time for yourself: Spend time doing things you enjoy, such as spending time with friends and family and exploring hobbies. Don't combat stress with fast food, alcohol, or other unhealthy alternatives.
Distance yourself from work: Give yourself space to recharge by turning off notifications and not thinking about work during your holiday. If you work from home, close your office door and laptop to signal that you are done working.
Maintain a regular exercise routine: Set aside 30 to 45 minutes for a walk during your workday.
Improve your sleep habits: Adults should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to reduced functionality, productivity, and focus, as well as frustration and worry. Limit caffeine intake in the afternoon and screen use in the evening.
See a therapist: Talking to a therapist about your work situation can help address the impact of work stress on your mental health, provide an outlet for your frustrations, and offer healthy coping mechanisms.
Employee stress is a significant problem in the hospitality industry
The "2024 State of the Frontline Workforce" report by Quinyx shows that work-related stress is a major issue for hospitality employees. Based on a survey of 12,500 frontline workers, the report indicates that 66% of these employees experience work-related stress. This stress is often caused by several factors, including:
Low wages: Many employees worry that their income is not enough to cover living expenses.
Too many working hours: 18% of respondents said they work too many hours, contributing to their stress.
Poor communication between management and staff: This remains a significant stress factor, with employees often feeling a lack of support and clear guidelines.
Stress levels in the hospitality industry have increased in recent years. In 2024, 66% of frontline workers reported experiencing work-related stress, a 5% increase from the previous year. This stress not only leads to reduced productivity and more errors in the workplace but also pushes employees to consider seeking other jobs.
According to the report, many frontline workers have considered quitting due to stressful working conditions. Improvements in communication and leadership, as well as more flexibility in work schedules, are seen as crucial steps to reduce this stress and improve employee well-being. Read the report here.
What can hospitality managers do to recognize stress in their team?
Recognizing stress among hospitality employees is very important. Managers should watch for signs of stress in their team members and themselves. Here are some steps managers can take:
Recognize signs of stress
Physical signs: Look for employees who often appear tired, complain of headaches or muscle pain, or sweat excessively and have a rapid heartbeat.
Emotional signs: Employees who seem irritable, anxious, or depressed may be experiencing stress. They may also become apathetic and lose interest in their work.
Behavioral changes: Watch for changes in behavior, such as frequent sick leave, difficulty concentrating, or withdrawing from social interactions.
What managers can do
Open communication: Encourage open communication. Regularly ask how your team is doing and listen actively to their concerns.
Emotional intelligence: Work on your emotional intelligence. This means better understanding and responding to the emotions of your team members. This helps to notice subtle signs of stress.
Regular breaks: Ensure employees take sufficient breaks during their shift. This helps them recharge and reduces stress.
Flexible schedules: Where possible, offer flexible working hours. This can help improve work-life balance and reduce stress.
Support and recognition: Provide support and recognize the hard work of your employees. This can increase their sense of appreciation and reduce stress.
Training and development: Offer training on stress management and give employees the opportunity to develop their skills. This can help them better cope with stress.