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Businesses in the food sector cover a wealth of specialisms and job roles , but one commonality is busy schedules and the conflicting demands and deadlines that come with that . Whether you are on the factory floor or on a boardroom conference call , the days can be long and the responsibilities numerous . Given the food sector serves a global customer base , the need for efficiency and stability is vital . Struggles with mental health can have a huge impact on motivation , productivity , attendance and workplace relationships , and if any of these are not functioning properly , it puts profitability and reputation at risk .
Checking in
With busy schedules , long hours and conflicting priorities , it is easy for businesses to forget to check in with their people . If teams are able to identify colleagues who may need support with their mental health at an early stage , and signpost them to the best place for help and guidance , then absence , low motivation and productivity can be avoided or at least reduced . Busy , fast-paced kitchens can be stressful environments with long hours , lack of resource and a raft of expectations coming from multiple directions whether that is driven by management or customers . Of course , working in the food sector is not for the faint-hearted , it is both mentally and physically demanding , and traditionally there has been an assumption within the sector that hospitality is about ‘ hard graft ’ and that people simply have to ‘ get on with it ’. Yet this outdated perception can quickly create an unhealthy working environment leaving employees prone to burn out and mental health issues .
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