The holiday season is a demanding time for the food and beverage industry, marked by long hours and heightened stress levels. Prioritizing mental health during this busy period is crucial for both individuals and teams. Drawing on ideas from a recent panel led by the Southern Smoke Foundation, here are some tips to support hospitality workers during the holiday season—and all year long.
Make mental health resources accessible
At the event, Chris Shepherd, Southern Smoke Foundation’s founding director, emphasized the importance of making mental health support accessible and discreet for staff. As a restaurant manager or supervisor, you can make resources available by posting information in employee spaces, sharing QR codes, and including resources in onboarding and training materials. This discreet approach will ensure employees feel comfortable seeking help when they need it, without the fear of stigma.
Foster open communication
It’s crucial that staff feel their workplace is a safe place to have conversations around wellness and mental health. Simple check-ins like asking “you, good?” can open the door to deeper discussions on a person’s mental health and wellbeing. By fostering a culture that encourages wellness, restaurants can improve employee retention, reduce reburnout, and create happier, more resilient teams.
As a manager or leader, remember, you’re not a licensed mental health professional, but you can still guide your team members to the right resources and offer a supportive space for them to talk.
Recognize the signs of stress
In an industry where long hours and back-to-back shifts are common, managers play a vital role in supporting their employee’s mental health. That’s why it’s essential for managers to be aware of changes in behavior.
During the panel, Kathleen Galle, Chief People Officer of Link Restaurant Group, underscored the importance of listening not only to what employees say but how they behave. Observing non-verbal cues like changes in demeanor or body language can help managers spot stress early on. By responding with empathy and guiding employees to support, managers can intervene before the situation escalates. Some signs to keep an eye out for include:
- Coming in late to work or missing work entirely
- Being less social/talkative
- Increased irritability and sensitivity
- Burnout and exhaustion
- Changes in eating or drinking habits
- Negative self-talk
Lead by example
Setting the tone for self-care is of the utmost importance. Leaders like Shepherd emphasize that when managers practice what it means to be healthy, employees are more likely to follow suit. Some ways you can model self-care are by taking regular breaks, scheduling personal time, getting fresh air, staying hydrated, and checking in with your team.
Encourage staff to use resources like Southern Smoke Foundation’s affordable therapy program, which includes flexible, low-cost options to make mental health care accessible to all.
Encourage team building outside work hours
Organizing activities where team members can bond outside of work can help strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and build a supportive workplace culture. Ideas include:
- Team dinners
- Group outings
- Team-building courses
- Low-stress social events
Not only does this help team culture, it can also improve teamwork and morale during busy shifts. The holidays can be isolating for some, having a fun event to look forward to could make a huge difference in somebody’s life.
Celebrate your staff
After the busy holiday season, take time to celebrate your team’s hard work. Host a dinner or awards ceremony to recognize your staff’s efforts and show appreciation. Whether it’s a “Best Customer Service” or “Most Uplifting Team Member,” identifying specific people and publicly acknowledging their contributions will help boost morale and reinforce the importance of a supportive work environment.
Creating an environment where your team can thrive
Caring for your team’s mental health is essential, especially around the holidays. By fostering open communication, offering accessible resources, and modeling self-care, you’ll create a supporting environment where your team can thrive.
