RESTAURANTS PRIORITISING WORKERS’ MENTAL HEALTH

Given the challenges of operating in HK over the last 9 months and in an industry that has long been used to dealing with high staff turnover, this article highlights how programmes such as ‘I got your back’ and ‘Ben’s Friends’ are helping to address the issue of ‘churn and burn’ in the US. From initiatives such as peer to peer counselling, capped working hours, wellness programmes and more open kitchen cultures these actions aren’t revolutionary. As the article highlights, ‘it’s essential to make the effort to talk with every single employee on a regular basis to check in and see how they’re doing. In the restaurant industry, this basic human gesture is a radical act.’ By working to recognise the importance of treating staff well, businesses are not only helping individuals, but helping to make the hospitality industry a more inviting career prospect.