Top Tips on How To Improve Your Mental Health While Working in Hospo

Sep 02, 2022

Given the public nature of hospitality work and the need to maintain a cheerful and calm exterior, it can be easy in our beloved hospo world to hide the many stresses of work and for mental health to become a hidden issue. A recent study by R U OK? Team in 2018 revealed that 80% of hospitality workers admitted that mental health is a challenge faced by the majority within the industry. 

With R U OK? Day coming up next week on Thursday 8th September, we thought we’d compile some helpful resources on how to ask R U OK? And some helpful tips to help your mental health in the workplace! 

1. Check in on your mates
Creating a workplace culture where you’re there for your colleagues and feel their support can contribute greatly to your wellbeing. Having an inclusive, supportive workplace culture like this ultimately boosts employee happiness and health. One way in which you can help implement this culture is use the #FairKitchens Code, let’s work in TEAMS. 
T - TALK OPENLY about how you are all feeling.
E - EXCITE PASSION and remind yourself and others why you love what you do.
A - ACT AS ONE to support each other and stay connected.
M - MAKE TIME to do something you always wanted to do for yourself and for your community.
S - SAY ‘GOOD JOB’ for the small things.

R U OK? have teamed up with Allara Learning to develop a free new online short course, R U OK? Workplace Conversation Guide.
The interactive course is designed to you learn how to ask, “are you OK?” of anyone in your world that you might be worried about. The course also helps you learn how to respond appropriately and safely to anyone who says, “No, I’m not ok.”
Complete the course here. 

2. Get enough sleep
Sleep is crucial to help our wellbeing, and sadly it’s one of the first things we sacrifice when we’ve got one of those crazy weeks. Not only can sleep help contribute to getting us in a routine, but it is time for our brains to replenish and re-energize for the next day. Sleep can naturally help prevent anxiety, will make you more productive during your day and will help stabilise your mood. Take this as your reminder that sleep needs to be a priority.

3. Create a routine
Much easier said than done in hospo, I know , with the unpredictable shifts and one-off chaotic nights it can be hard to settle into a weekly routine. But what is in your control is your routine around this! Our minds like consistency and predictability. Even something as simple as waking up at a consistent hour every day can make a huge difference. A regular exercise routine, eating healthy meals, and going to bed at a set time can all help the mind and body adjust to a new normal around the sporadicness of hospo. 

If you personally or someone you know of need support in anyway, see the National Support Services below: 
Lifeline - 13 11 14
Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia - 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 46 36
Headspace - 1800 650 890

Want to work at some of the best hospo venues? Check out available jobs here & don't forget to sign up for job alerts, to know first when they need some extra Rockstar Staff! Sign up for job alerts here.