Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Hospitality
Creating safe and supportive workplaces together
Introduction
Rethinking Hospitality: From High Risk to Real Support
In support of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September, we have done an extensive deep-dive into the hospitality industry, commissioning a study into the mental health and suicide risks, and found some eye-opening results.
The hospitality industry is built on providing others with joyful experiences and is surrounded by bubbly personas, but it belies a sector of employees that are at high risk of poor mental health.
With long working hours, zero-hour contracts, high stress environments and a work hard/play hard mentality, there are a number of issues contributing to the problem in the industry.
But this doesn’t have to be the norm. Ripple is campaigning for change and has joined forces with the Revolution Bars Group - the popular chain that has implemented the Ripple tool - and The Burnt Chef Project - a community where the worldwide hospitality trade can go for mental health support and education – to make a difference in the industry.
1 in 2
hospitality workers have thought of suicide, self-harm or other harmful, negative thoughts
3 in 5
hospitality workers are or have experienced mental health conditions whilst at work
3rd
of those who are or have experienced mental health conditions, have searched for harmful content online whilst in their workplace
61%
of hospitality workers have been concerned about a colleague’s mental-wellbeing
75%
are concerned that their colleagues were accessing harmful content while in the workplace
34%
of hospitality workers do not think there is enough support provided in the industry to support their mental wellbeing
Let's Work together
Industry Commitments
Achievable with actionable takeaways that employers, managers and HR can implement
Commitment 1
Even better communication to reduce the stigma of suicide & mental health
Commitment 2
Upskill employees on how to support peers and raise concerns
Commitment 3
Protect staff safety at every touchpoint
Commitment 4
Ensure a ‘wellness action plan’ is in place
Commitment 5
Provide support for each of the most triggering elements of the job
Supported by:
"It is our duty to the service industry to provide the means for our teams to better service their own wellbeing. This is not about getting everything right all of the time. Simply, it’s about starting somewhere."
Danielle James, Head of Pay & Reward, Revolution Bars Group
"We need to make sure that everyone working in a highly affected sector like hospitality is protected by their employers in the workplace online, in the same way their health and safety is protected physically."
Alice Hendy MBE, Founder and CEO, Ripple
"It's encouraging to see that nearly 75% of hospitality workers were able to seek support during a shift when they found themselves in a difficult mental space. This highlights the growing awareness of mental health issues within the industry."
Kris Hall, CEO and Founder, The Burnt Chef Project
Join the movement today
Sign the pledge
Get step-by-step guidance and resources to help you get started
Get endorsed on our website and gain visibility on social media
Support our mission
Mental Health & Suicide in Hospitality Report
Ripple Nine-Alive Pledge
Speak to our team
For questions about the Ripple tool and wider Ripple work