Nio DiPietrantonio, a seasoned hospitality leader and mental health advocate, shares insights from over seventeen years in the industry. As a champion for mental health awareness, Nio is dedicated to empowering hospitality professionals with the resources they need to thrive.
I was eighteen years old when I was the victim of a drive-by promotion. If you're not familiar with the phenomenon, it’s when your director pulls up beside you as you're leaving work for the day and tells you that your management training starts next week. I was working as a host/line cook at a chain restaurant at the time, and I remember vividly staring at a pair of retreating taillights going, “Did that really just happen?”
A week and two days later, I had a management development book slapped in one hand, a set of store keys, and a POS override card slapped in the other. I still remember the look in my Director’s eyes as she beamed at me with pride.
“Don't worry, you're going to do great,” she told me with a hearty pat on the back. “You already know how to do everything. This is the next step.”
“Off of a plank into a shark tank?” I asked awkwardly, uncomfortably shifting in the too-stiff men’s button-down shirt that looked ridiculous on me. Men's shirts generally aren't made with women's figures in mind, and they fit me about as well as a paper grocery bag.
“Hilarious. Seriously, you'll do fine. Good luck. Call me if you need anything.”
And that's how my career in Hospitality management began: Someone quit, teenage me got picked to replace him, and I had a book to learn from and a team of older adults who looked at me with what a generous person would call skepticism.
I've been navigating this crazy, chaotic, oddly satisfying world for seventeen years ever since.
For anyone who has ever worked in the hospitality industry, we know it's rough. Where long hours and high-pressure environments are the norm, the well-being of our workers often takes a backseat. In a study done by The Burnt Chef Project and Planday, 4 out of 5 hospitality workers struggle with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and burnout. Most recently, they compiled a study with R;ipple, an organization dedicated to providing suicide and self-harm intervention, found that 51% of workers surveyed struggled with suicidal or harmful thoughts in the past year. In the same study with Planday, more than half of respondents said they planned to leave the industry in the immediate future, citing low pay, lack of social hours, and inconsistent scheduling as their top reasons. In a report produced by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, 1 out of 5 hospitality workers struggle with substance use issues. They also reported the highest rate of drug use over other industries.
These statistics paint a bleak picture of the industry since the days of the Pandemic. Despite all of that, these individuals are the heartbeat of the industry, tirelessly crafting experiences that leave lasting impressions on guests.
In an industry as demanding as hospitality, creating a robust support network is not just beneficial, It’s imperative and long overdue. Despite the many challenges, the industry has historically lacked adequate support systems to address the mental and physical well-being of its workforce. Establishing a comprehensive support network can provide the essential resources and community that workers need to navigate these pressures. By fostering connections and offering tailored support, we can empower individuals to manage stress, prevent burnout, and ultimately enhance their quality of life. This initiative is not just a response to current challenges but a proactive step towards a healthier, more sustainable future for hospitality professionals. As leaders in this vibrant sector, we have the power and responsibility to create environments where our teams can thrive. From lived experience in the field, here are ten strategies to support our workers and foster a culture of care and resilience within the hospitality industry:
1. Promote open communication
Open communication is the cornerstone of a supportive workplace. By encouraging transparency and regular feedback, leaders can create a safe space for employees to voice their concerns and ideas. Implementing tools like suggestion boxes, anonymous surveys, and regular one-on-one meetings can facilitate this dialogue. When workers feel heard and valued, it not only boosts morale but also enhances team cohesion and productivity.
2. Implement wellness action plans
Personalized wellness action plans can play a pivotal role in supporting employees' mental and physical health. These plans can include mental health days, stress-relief activities, and access to wellness resources tailored to individual needs. Organizations can collaborate with mental health professionals to design comprehensive programs that address common stressors in the hospitality industry. Wellness action plans don’t need to be costly–utilize available, local resources such as the YMCA and other organizations in your area to help provide for your employees.
3. Provide access to mental health resources
Access to mental health resources is crucial in helping employees navigate the challenges of the hospitality industry. Offering counseling services, support groups, and workshops can provide the necessary support for those in need. By partnering with organizations like Serving Up Support: Maine, businesses can ensure their workers have access to valuable resources and expertise. The Burnt Chef Project, Serving Those Serving, The Giving Kitchen, and local resources like 211 provided by the United Way are all highly valuable organizations that provide support.
4. Foster & support a culture of empathy and understanding
Empathy and understanding should be at the forefront of any supportive work environment. Training leaders in active listening and empathy can help build stronger connections with employees. Sharing personal stories and experiences within the team can also foster a sense of community and mutual support, making workers feel more connected and valued. The Burnt Chef Academy and Fair Kitchens both provide free training on both mental health in the hospitality industry, as well as leadership and emotional intelligence development.
5. Address physical health challenges
The physical demands of hospitality work can take a toll on employees' health. Providing ergonomic tools, encouraging regular breaks, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices can help mitigate these challenges. Partnering with local fitness experts to offer wellness programs can further support workers in maintaining their physical health.
6. Combat substance use vulnerability
Substance use is a significant challenge in the hospitality industry. Educating employees about the risks and providing support for those struggling with addiction is essential. Creating a non-judgmental environment where workers feel safe to seek help can lead to healthier, more productive teams. Many states in the US have Recovery Friendly Workplace initiatives that are vital lifelines to businesses in need of staff. Recovery Friendly Workplace initiatives are crucial in the hospitality industry due to the high-pressure environments that often contribute to stress and substance use challenges among workers. By fostering a supportive culture that prioritizes mental health and recovery, these initiatives help reduce stigma and provide employees with the resources and support they need to maintain their well-being. This not only enhances employee morale and retention but also improves overall productivity and service quality. Embracing recovery-friendly practices demonstrates a commitment to the holistic health of hospitality workers, ultimately leading to a more resilient and thriving industry.
7. Encourage healthy lifestyles
Achieving balance is crucial for the well-being of hospitality workers. Implementing flexible scheduling and time-off policies can help employees manage their personal and professional lives more effectively. Encouraging activities that support personal well-being, such as hobbies or family time, can enhance overall job satisfaction and reduce burnout.
8. Create inclusive work environments
Inclusivity is key to a supportive workplace. Supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives and providing specific support for LGBTQ and marginalized groups can create a more welcoming environment for all employees. This inclusivity can lead to increased job satisfaction and a stronger sense of belonging within the team. The Safe Space Alliance offers many informative resources on how to create an inclusive work environment, and interested businesses can list their organizations as designated safe spaces for members of the LGBTQ community to shop and visit.
9. Upskill and empower employees
Offering training and development opportunities empowers employees to grow and advance in their careers. Encouraging leadership roles and career advancement not only boosts morale but also strengthens the organization's talent pool. Investing in employees' professional growth can lead to long-term benefits for both the workers and the business. Investing in our employees’ futures and talents will cultivate a thriving, motivated workforce that drives innovation and excellence, ensuring long-term success and sustainability for the hospitality industry.
10. Lead by example
Leaders set the tone for the workplace culture. Demonstrating self-care and prioritizing mental health can inspire employees to do the same. Sharing personal experiences and encouraging vulnerability can create an environment where workers feel comfortable prioritizing their well-being. The only way we’re going to change the narrative on the negativity associated with working in the hospitality industry is to start prioritizing the health and well-being of its employees. It starts with us—the leaders. The ones who are willing to step out of the shadows of our own fears and struggles to say enough is enough.
Cultivating a culture of care begins with us
All our mental health matters, from the front-line workers to the Executive Directors.
Supporting hospitality workers is not just about addressing current challenges; it's about building a sustainable future for the industry. By implementing these strategies, leaders can create a culture of care and resilience that empowers employees to thrive. Join Serving Up Support: Maine in making a difference and fostering a supportive environment for hospitality workers everywhere.
We Serve, We Support, We Stand Together.
Read more from Nio DiPietrantonio
Nio DiPietrantonio, Leader & Mental Health Advocate
Nio DiPietrantonio is a seasoned professional with over seventeen years of experience in the hospitality industry, having held roles from the front lines to director positions. As the Founder and Board President of Serving Up Support: Maine, Nio is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness among hospitality workers. As well as embracing her role as an ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project, her work focuses on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and providing essential resources to empower industry professionals. Through her leadership and dedication, Nio aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all hospitality workers.
