How to Support Mental Health in the Bar Industry

How does the bar industry affect mental health? 

• Dealing with rude or abusive customers while maintaining a friendly and professional attitude can take a toll. 
• This industry has a long history of toxic work environments, bullying and harassment. 
• Bartenders and other hospitality workers are usually working unsociable hours. During the winter months, they may even be missing most of the daylight. 
• Irregular sleep patterns can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. 
• Lack of financial security (as well as benefits like health insurance) can result in higher levels of anxiety than jobs with a steady income. 
• Hospitality is not easy work, and it requires a lot of energy and focus in addition to excellent interpersonal skills. Bartending is often a stressful environment, and the physiological effects of stress add up over time. 
• In this demanding industry, drug and alcohol use are often used as coping mechanisms. 

Five ways bartenders can take care of themselves: 

Keep your mental and physical health in good shape by incorporating these simple strategies into your regular routine.  

1. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals with plenty of fruit and vegetables, and make sure you drink enough water. Choose not to drink alcohol, or drink in moderation, and avoid narcotic substances. 
2. Prioritise getting plenty of sleep. 
3. Look after your physical health: regular yoga, Pilates and/or weightlifting can all help to support your body through those long hours on your feet. 
4. Make time to get outside and connect with nature whenever possible. 
5. Make time for social connection with your friends and family. 

Five ways employers can support their staff: 

Your team isn’t at its best unless your team members are feeling healthy and supported. 

1. Implement maximum weekly working hours and be considerate when rostering, recognising individual needs and ensuring that everyone gets some weekend and evening time off. At Young’s pubs in the UK, an internal system called The Ram Agency gives employees the power to pick their own shifts, building rotas that suit individual lifestyles. 
2. Instate a zero-tolerance policy for all kinds of bullying and harassment. 
3. Pay more than the legal minimum. Not only will this help to build more financial stability for your staff, but it will also help in recruitment and retention. Explore other benefits your bar could offer, too. As an example, True Laurel in San Francisco provides healthcare and sick leave beyond statutory minimums.  
4. Create a supportive work environment and encourage people to be open about their mental health and personal struggles. True Laurel also ensures that managers have regular meetings with staff to check on their physical and mental wellbeing. 
5. Encourage healthy habits and hobbies. At Zest Bar in Seoul, staff can apply for activities to support physical health and personal development, all supported by a monthly fund: think fitness classes, language classes, and learning skills like fermentation and ceramic art. 

Read more about why social sustainability is one of the three pillars of the Food Made Good Framework here.