Welcome to World Mental Health Day at Platinum Recruitment
Welcome to Mental Health Day UK at Platinum. Behind the clinking glasses and savoury delights lies a workforce handling the delicate balance between service excellence and personal wellbeing.
In this article, we delve into the vibrant, fast-paced world of hospitality, shedding light on the often-overlooked narratives of mental health. Join us as we explore the connection between mental health and the hospitality industry. On World Mental Health Day 2025 and beyond, let’s ensure a future where wellness isn’t just served on plates but is an integral part of the hospitality experience.
What is World Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day is held on 10 October every year. It is a crucial day to raise awareness about mental health, promote open chats, and educate teams to improve mental health.
It’s also a day to remind everyone that it’s okay to ask for help, no matter what you’re going through.
This year, World Mental Health Day 2025 focuses on Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies. It is a powerful reminder that support for mental wellbeing shouldn’t stop when a crisis hits. Whether people are facing conflict, natural disasters, or being forced to leave their homes, access to mental health care is more vital than ever.
World Mental Health Day and the UK Hospitality Industry
The hospitality industry is the UK’s third biggest employer, accounting for 10% of all employment. A 2019 study by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) found that 80% of workers reported increased stress levels. Yet, only 10% had received training to support their mental health.
Hospitality is an industry that faced a staffing crisis before COVID-19 hit. Brexit prompted hundreds of thousands of foreign workers to leave the sector, and the pandemic only made the problem worse. As businesses reopened, they struggled to fill roles, putting even more pressure on staff.
On World Mental Health Day, it’s essential to recognise that mental health and staffing challenges go hand in hand. Wellbeing needs to be prioritised just as much as productivity.
Have you read our article Positive Mental Health in Hospitality?
Improving Mental Health Awareness in Hospitality
Given the fast-paced and bustling nature of the hospitality industry, extra measures will always be necessary to ensure the safety of those working in it. However, one distinct shift in the wake of these global events is that the industry increasingly recognises the importance of addressing mental health issues among its staff.
Here are seven ways the industry is tackling workplace wellbeing and mental health in hospitality today:
Mental Health Awareness Programs
Many businesses are looking into programs to educate staff and reduce the stigma linked to mental health issues. These often include workshops, seminars, and training sessions, particularly around World Mental Health Day when awareness is at its peak.
Flexible Working Conditions
Some companies are exploring flexible working arrangements, which enable employees to achieve a better work-life balance – a crucial factor in improving staff happiness.
Training for Managers
It’s essential to train managers to recognise signs of mental health issues, foster open dialogue, and offer extra support. Managers play a key role in creating a supportive work environment.
Wellness Programs
Wellness programmes focusing on physical and mental health (such as fitness classes, gym access, healthy eating options, and mental health resources) are becoming more common across hospitality employers.
Crisis Response Plans
Having a clear ‘crisis response plan’ ensures staff receive immediate support during traumatic events, helping protect both their emotional resilience and workplace confidence.
Best Mental Health Podcasts to Tune Into
Mental health podcasts can offer valuable guidance and support, making them an ideal resource on World Mental Health Day and beyond.
Here are our top 5 suggestions:
Feel Better Live More
Hosted by Dr Rangan Chatterjee, GP and bestselling author, this podcast aims to inspire, empower, and transform your approach to wellbeing.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Burnt Chef Journal
Kris Hall, founder of The Burnt Chef Project, speaks openly about mental health in the hospitality industry, sharing real-life experiences from across the sector.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Ten Percent Happier
Journalist Dan Harris discusses mindfulness and mental resilience after experiencing a panic attack on live television.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Happy Place
Fearne Cotton’s heartfelt conversations explore happiness, grief, and mental strength with notable guests.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
It’s important to note that while mental health podcasts can be a helpful resource, they are not a substitute for mental health care. If you are facing mental health concerns, you are encouraged to seek support from mental health professionals.
Further Mental Health Resources
The journey towards better mental health is courageous, and the path is as diverse as the people who walk it.
Below, you’ll discover further resources to support hospitality professionals in their mental health journey:
As we mark World Mental Health Day, let’s continue building a culture of compassion, openness, and support within hospitality – where staff wellbeing is just as important as customer satisfaction.
