Mark Lewis, Chief Executive of Hospitality Action, explores the stark results of the recent Taking the Temperature survey.
The findings of our latest 2025 Taking the Temperature survey paint a rather stark picture of life in hospitality right now. What has become apparent is the significant gap between policy and practice, with a disconnect between what employers believe they are delivering, and what employees experience.
In addition to persistent staff shortages – exacerbated by the recent National Insurance hikes in April with an additional 69,000 jobs lost – almost half of respondents say they have a poor work-life balance, and of those, two in three (62%) junior employees believe burnout is just part of the job.
This normalisation of stress and fatigue has serious consequences. Three in five people experiencing burnout daily also report mental health issues, while under-resourcing was cited as the top challenge affecting wellbeing – up 21% on last year.
Excessive workloads and poor work-life balance have also increased significantly, making mental health the third most common reason for workplace absence.
While progress has undeniably been made – 78% of staff are now more comfortable discussing mental health than five years ago – the pace of support is failing to keep up with the scale of the challenge. Additionally, 63% fear speaking up will harm their career, and a third of employees say their organisation has no clear support in place.
Encouragingly, most managers are stepping up, with nearly nine in 10 prioritising listening when supporting teams, and more now signposting to Employee Assistance Programmes. But leaders need help too, as long hours, staff shortages, and cost pressures are affecting wellbeing at every level.
It’s clear we’re at a tipping point. If we want a healthy, sustainable hospitality industry, the focus must be on meaningful action. That means better training, clearer support, and a genuine culture shift where wellbeing isn’t just acknowledged but embedded. The mental health crisis is no longer a hidden issue, it’s front and centre, and must be met head-on.
To review the key findings and request a copy of the full survey visit Hospitality Action.