Article
4 min read
The burnout crisis in hospitality
Kris Hall
Apr 15, 2025
What's on the menu?
The hospitality industry thrives on passion, dedication, and hard work. But behind the fast-paced energy of restaurants, hotels, and bars, a crisis is quietly taking its toll – burnout.
Our latest research, conducted with Planday, reveals just how deep this issue runs, with both shift workers and managers feeling the strain of an industry that often demands more than it gives back.
The reality of burnout
Burnout is not just a buzzword; it’s a widespread issue affecting the wellbeing of hospitality professionals at every level. A staggering 69% of shift workers report feeling exhausted due to their work schedules. Long hours, last-minute changes, and the pressure to perform at peak levels day after day are taking a heavy toll on mental and physical health.
For managers, the situation is equally concerning. Our research found that 76% of managers experience burnout, a clear indication that the issue extends beyond frontline staff. When those responsible for leading and supporting teams are struggling, the entire business suffers.
The root causes of burnout
So, what’s driving this crisis? Several key factors stand out:
- Unpredictable schedules: 69% of shift workers have their schedules changed with little or no notice, making it difficult to plan their personal lives.
- Excessive overtime: 98% of workers report working overtime, with 75% saying they often do so without much prior notice.
- Work/life imbalance: 47% of employees feel they don’t have a good work-life balance, with Millennials suffering the most (53% dissatisfied).
- Multiple jobs: Nearly 50% of hospitality workers juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet, increasing fatigue and reducing job satisfaction.
- Lack of managerial support: 67% of workers feel that their managers don’t always listen when they request shift changes, leading to frustration and disengagement.
The impact of individuals and businesses
High turnover rates, reduced morale, and declining customer service standards are all symptoms of a workforce pushed to its limits.
For businesses, this means increased recruitment costs, operational disruptions, and, ultimately, a damaged reputation. The reality is clear: we can’t afford to ignore burnout any longer.
The ripple effect: burnout beyond the workplace
The impact of burnout doesn’t stop when employees clock out. Chronic stress and exhaustion spill over into personal lives, affecting relationships, mental health, and overall wellbeing.
Studies have shown that prolonged stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical health conditions such as high blood pressure and weakened immune function. When workers don’t have the time or energy to recharge, their quality of life suffers, making it even harder to perform at their best on the job.
Moreover, the industry is losing talented professionals at an alarming rate. Many hospitality workers cite burnout as a key reason for leaving their roles, with some exiting the industry altogether.
This loss of experienced staff creates a vicious cycle, where remaining employees are left to pick up the slack, exacerbating burnout and leading to further turnover.
Tackling burnout: a call to action
Addressing burnout requires a collective effort from business owners, managers, and employees. Here are some key strategies to help combat the crisis:
Improve scheduling practices
Give staff as much advance notice as possible and involve them in shift planning to increase predictability. 67% of people believed that advance notice of their shift patterns would improve their life.
Encourage work/life balance
Support employees in setting boundaries, taking breaks, and disconnecting from work during off-hours. Consider accessing our free e-learning resources or using our International Management Advice Service as part of our EAP.
Foster open communication
Create a culture where employees feel heard and valued. Regular check-ins and anonymous feedback channels can help. Look at how regularly reviews are conducted and consider using open questioning to improve feedback loop and psychological safety.
Invest in manager wellbeing
Equip managers with the training and tools they need to manage stress, support their teams, and maintain their own mental health. Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries is paramount to tackling manager workplace burnout. It’s not sustainable to set fire to yourself to keep others warm.
Leverage technology
Utilise scheduling software and communication platforms to streamline operations and reduce administrative burdens. WhatsApp is useful but consider the impact of using social tools that interrupt the valuable time off for your teams.
Prioritise employee retention
Creating a workplace where employees feel valued and supported not only improves morale but also helps retain skilled staff, reducing turnover and long-term hiring costs. It costs between £2500 - £4000 to recruit, train, insure, and induct, a single individual. If they aren’t getting the support or balance that they need to flourish within the workplace then it’ll not be a challenge for them to consider leaving.
Let’s tackle burnout together
The hospitality industry is built on people, and if we don’t take care of them, we risk losing the very essence of what makes this sector thrive. It’s time to prioritise wellbeing, implement sustainable working practices, and ensure that hospitality remains an industry where passion is rewarded, not punished.
Let’s work together to turn the tide on burnout. Our teams – and our industry – deserve better.
Whether you want to improve your own wellbeing or improve your team’s work environment, The Burnt Chef Project has the resources and support you need to thrive.
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