Managing Employee Burnout in the Hospitality Industry

Written By Joshua Thomas
burnt out chefs, hospitality wellbeing, managing hospitality stress

From my 12+ years working in hotels, I've witnessed first-hand how relentless the hospitality sector can be. Burnout isn't just common; it's often an accepted part of the job. But it shouldn't have to be. In this post, we delve deep into why burnout strikes so fiercely in our industry and what we can do to prevent it, drawing on both my experiences and insights as a seasoned hotel recruiter in New Zealand.

Understanding Employee Burnout

What is Employee Burnout? Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It appears as decreased efficiency and energy, feelings of cynicism, and a sense that nothing you do makes a difference. As an ambassador for the Burnt Chef Project, a non-profit dedicated to burning out stigma in the hospitality industry, I've always advocated for mental health to be taken as seriously as kitchen safety.

Why Burnout Matters in Hospitality

The hospitality sector thrives on customer satisfaction, which often demands long hours, high energy, and endless patience from its workers. This environment, while vibrant, is ripe for burnout. Here in New Zealand, where tourism is a backbone of the economy, the stakes are high. The effects ripple out, lowering job performance and increasing staff turnover, which is why understanding this issue is crucial for anyone involved in hospitality recruitment in New Zealand.

Spotting the Signs of Burnout

Recognising burnout is the first step to tackling it. Look for signs like chronic fatigue, irritability, and disengagement. During my tenure as a general manager at The Portage Hotel, spotting these signs early meant we could intervene before the staff's morale and health plummeted,, which was especially important in a remote workign environment. Regular check-ins and a supportive work environment were key in catching these early warnings.

Burnout Self-Assessment Checklist

Evaluate your or your team’s level of burnout with this simple checklist.
Score each statement from 0 (never) to 4 (always):

  • Feeling tired even after having sufficient rest: [ 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 ]

  • Feeling detached from your work and colleagues: [ 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 ]

  • Feeling like nothing you do makes a difference or is appreciated: [ 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 ]

  • Decreased satisfaction from your achievements: [ 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 ]

  • Increased irritability with guests or colleagues: [ 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 ]

  • Difficulty concentrating on tasks: [ 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 ]

  • Using food, drugs, or alcohol to feel better or to simply not feel: [ 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 ]

  • Changes in sleep habits or feelings of constant exhaustion: [ 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 ]

  • Thoughts of leaving your job: [ 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 ]

Scoring:

  • 0-9: Low risk - Burnout is less likely. Keep up the good work and continue healthy work habits.

  • 10-18: Moderate risk - Begin to explore stress management strategies and consider speaking to a manager or mentor about changes.

  • 19-28: High risk - Important to take immediate action. Consider professional help, and discuss workload adjustments with management.

  • 29-36: Very high risk - Burnout is imminent or already happening. Professional intervention and significant changes are necessary for wellbeing.

Strategic Approaches to Managing Burnout

Promote Work-Life Balance

Encouraging a balance through flexible scheduling or compensatory leave can significantly alleviate stress. For instance, at Hospo HR, we help our partners structure roles that support sustainable work habits, which is essential in preventing burnout.

Supportive Work Environment

Creating a positive atmosphere involves everything from the physical space to the emotional support systems in place. Recognising achievements and providing constructive feedback are practices I've prioritised in my roles across New Zealand’s hospitality landscape.

Managing employee burnout transcends improving productivity; it’s about fostering a resilient, supportive work environment where everyone can flourish. If you’re grappling with stress or burnout, or if you’re in a role assisting others in the hospitality industry, I encourage you to not sweet it under the table and seek support. Here are some resources that can offer assistance:

These organisations provide a range of support from educational resources to confidential counselling, helping ensure the well-being of your team is a priority. Remember, your workforce's strength hinges on each member's health.

Let’s commit to being part of the solution, one step at a time.


Joshua Thomas
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