Highlights of the Work Mind Matters, Connection Session, focusing on the Restaurant Industry
Work Mind Matters presented Episode 1 of its Connect Sessions. The discussion focused on the mental health issues in the Restaurant industry, in South Africa. The headline of the session was the opportunity to discuss mental health issues with various industry stakeholders. The goal of the session was to start a discussion about Mental Health, which will address these issues in the future. The issue is complex as we outline below.
Giving mental health issues context in the Restaurant Industry
The Restaurant industry is a complex environment which gives rise to mental health issues. Restaurants are high pressure businesses, which demand physical, intellectual and emotional input, to succeed. The demands of the restaurant environment, contributes to the mental health issues which stakeholders experience. People who are drawn to the industry, come from a number of different backgrounds. They work long-hours. They have different levels of skill, and they are singularly focused on customer satisfaction. It is a very immediate and public place, where measurement of performance is instant. Kitchens, therefore, are pressure cookers of stress. In order to release this stress, workers in the industry often revert to abusive behavior which correlates with an increased consumption of drugs and alcohol. The results of long hours of stress also result in high rates of absenteeism, destructive relationships, a cycle of poverty, low self-esteem levels and very little personal recognition.
Factors which improve mental health in the Restaurant Industry
The six panelists highlighted important improvements needed to change mental health in the restaurant industry. Their discussion highlighted a number of steps which can be adopted to improve the general mental health of restauranteurs. The steps discussed, include:
- An environment for the creation of strong friendships, partnerships and relationships. A strong support structure helps an employee to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
- Access to resources to self-educate, diagnose and create a self-awareness of mental health issues.
- An urgent paradigm shift to acknowledge and recognize personal contribution in the workplace, in order to improve self-esteem, personal perception and self-confidence.
- A need for empathetic and authentic leadership to stand up and play a strong role in the industry, which places greater value on workers in the industry.
- Accountable Leadership – where employee issues are addressed, and priority is place on planning a better future.
- Taking initiative to promote Wellness Programmes which relentlessly focus on individual needs.
- Role models who practice healthy lifestyles and who demonstrate that a balance in the industry can be achieved.
- An atmosphere of encouragement, where conversations about mental health in the work place take place, so that the issues are shared.
- Personal responsibility to prioritize mental wellbeing because each person learns to manage them selves.
- Personal action to prioritize personal change which provides a change in ones own outlook to issues.
- Self-care and self-awareness – especially to identify mental health issues.
The panelists acknowledged that there is still a long road ahead for an industry that is currently under great pressure. The Connect Session discussion is a brave and big step toward the future. This discussion supports those influential people who are taking small steps to improve the industry through a focus on mental health.
Current Resources for Restaurant Industry workers
Fair Kitchens is one of the organizations which are taking steps to introduce structures to address mental health issues. They have introduced a Helpline for those in the Restaurant industry that need urgent help. The number to call is 0800-006-333 and start the conversation. Furthermore, Fuzlin Massey, of Ocean Basket, presented helpful links, which create more awareness around mental health issues. The links are: The Giving Kitchen, Upserve and Ruok.
Work Mind Matters continues to look at ways to support the Restaurant industry. They will continue to support those who are working towards a better understanding of mental health and wellness. To this end, on 22 October at 12 noon, Work Mind Matters founder, Alison Hallett, will be participating in a 20 minute discussion arranged by FairKitchens on FaceBook Live (find the page here) where they will be discussing practical ideas for looking after yourself and your restaurant staff.
Finally, if you need assistance with training and education in the field of Mental Health, in your business, contact Work Mind Matters. Work Mind Matters offers training sessions that can be tailored to your specific environment and business. Please reach out if this is any area where you need assistance. More information about training and mental health issues can be found on our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
