A further 41% said that working in the industry had negatively affected their mental health, citing long hours, lack of work-life balance and working in a high-pressure environment as the top three causes.
The survey forms part of industry trade event, ScotHot’s, new study and included feedback from over 500 hospitality workers across the country. Full results will be revealed during ScotHot this week (14 March), where journalist Stephen Jardine will host a live panel debate, entitled: ‘Talking About It: Mental Health in Hospitality.’
ScotHot event director Ross Carter commented: “This study was commissioned to provide some up-to-date statistics on mental health in Scotland’s hospitality industry, to highlight the pressures faced across the sector and identify what we can do to help.
“Our survey found that 75% of respondents have worked in the industry for more than 10 years – with this in mind, we need to focus on making jobs in hospitality more appealing and less stressful for young people, but also on ensuring that professionals who have dedicated their careers to working with food and drink have access to appropriate levels of support.
“We feel it’s time for a wider, industry-specific discussion, and that’s where ScotHot 2019 comes in.
“While these statistics make for serious reading, it’s important to recognise the positive work that is already being carried out to make mental health a priority across Scotland’s hospitality industry, and focus our discussions on what else can be done to make the sector a healthier, happier place for everyone.
”By putting mental health centre of the stage, we’re aiming to encourage more employers and employees to make their health a priority as part of ScotHot 2019.”
Gordon McIntyre, chairman of Hospitality Health – a Scottish charity set up following the survey to support the wellbeing of staff and students across the industry – added: “The health and wellbeing of people working in the hospitality industry must be a priority for employers.
“We need to put mental health at the top of our agenda and let staff see that this is something we take seriously.
“By launching Hospitality Health, our aim is to encourage more staff to eat well, take regular exercise and drink responsibly.
“If we can help each and every person working in the industry to become physically and mentally healthier, while maintaining our love and passion for hospitality, our sector willbe a more positive place for everyone and more sustainable.
“It’s so encouraging to see ScotHot focusing on such an important topic at this year’s event, and I hope the study findings will encourage even more employers to make the small differences which can deliver big changes for their staff.”