In the high-stakes world of hospitality, we pride ourselves on our resilience. We’re the masters of multitasking, the wizards of table turns, and the champions of late nights. But behind the polished service and forced smiles lies an industry grappling with a silent crisis. It’s time to address the elephant in the room: the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use in hospitality.
The Hidden Crisis: By the Numbers
Hospitality workers are the backbone of the service industry, yet they often face unique challenges that go unacknowledged. The statistics are staggering:
81% of hospitality workers report feeling emotionally drained.
43% have experienced substance use challenges while working in the industry.
Mental health issues in the restaurant industry are 50% higher than in other professions.
These aren’t just numbers; they represent real people. The chef who hasn’t slept in two days. The bartender who relies on a drink to wind down after every shift. The server who cries in the break room before pasting on a smile for customers. These struggles are as common as they are invisible.
My Journey: Walking in Quicksand
I’ve been in this industry for 25 years, and I’ve seen it all—from the camaraderie of a team that feels like family to the crushing weight of burnout and substance use. I’ve also felt the sting of stigma firsthand.
There was a time when I felt like I was walking in quicksand, every shift dragging me down deeper. Instead of support, I encountered judgment. Instead of resources, I was met with silence. Employers turned a blind eye, and coworkers whispered behind my back. Not once in my decades-long career did an employer offer addiction support services or even a conversation about mental health.
The message was clear: “You’re on your own.”
The Financial Toll of Stigma
This stigma doesn’t just hurt individuals; it’s costing the industry billions. When mental health and substance use go unaddressed:
Turnover skyrockets. The average cost to replace an employee is $5,864. Multiply that by the number of staff you lose each year, and the numbers are staggering.
Productivity plummets. Absenteeism and mistakes due to burnout and substance use erode profits.
Loyalty fades. Employees disengage, and customers feel the ripple effects of a stressed and strained team.
The service class is bleeding, and so are the businesses that depend on them.
Why We Must Speak Up
Stigma is a barrier to change. As Wikipedia defines it, stigma is a “mark of disgrace.” It’s what keeps workers from seeking help and employers from offering it. But stigma doesn’t just disappear; it’s dismantled through intentional action.
It starts with crafting a language that is inclusive and empowering. We need to normalize conversations about mental health and recovery. This isn’t just about being compassionate; it’s about being practical. A healthy, supported team is a productive, loyal team.
The Elephant Under the Bar Mat
Too many incidents of substance use and mental health struggles get swept under the rug—or the bar mat, or the kitchen line. I’ve seen coworkers self-medicate to survive double shifts. I’ve seen others break under the pressure, only to be replaced without a second thought. The unspoken rule is to keep quiet and keep moving, but this culture of silence is killing us.
Crafting a Culture of Recovery
So, what can we do? How do we shift from a culture of stigma to one of support?
Acknowledge the Problem: Start by admitting there’s an issue. The first step to recovery, as they say, is recognizing the problem.
Invest in Training: Train managers to recognize signs of burnout and substance use. Equip them with tools to respond compassionately and effectively.
Provide Resources: Offer access to mental health services, counseling, and recovery programs. Make these resources visible and easily accessible.
Lead by Example: Leadership sets the tone. If owners and managers prioritize mental health, the rest of the team will follow.
Break the Silence: Create an environment where talking about struggles isn’t taboo. Host open forums or workshops that encourage dialogue.
A Call to Action
The time for change is now. We can no longer afford to ignore the human and financial costs of stigma. The hospitality industry thrives on its people, and it’s our duty to take care of them.
Imagine a workplace where employees feel supported, where recovery is celebrated, and where mental health is treated as a priority, not an afterthought. This isn’t just a dream—it’s a necessity.
If you’re ready to lead the change, let’s connect.
Together, we can redefine what it means to work in hospitality.
Because when we invest in our people, everyone wins.
