Hospitality bosses are being urged to take immediate action to safeguard staff wellbeing after the government’s decision to abandon plans to introduce a ‘right to switch off’ under the Employment Rights Bill. The move comes as new data reveals high levels of stress in the industry, with nearly half of hospitality workers saying their jobs negatively impact their physical and mental health.
A report published by workforce management firm Quinyx highlights the scale of the issue. The 2024 State of the Frontline Workforce study, which surveyed almost 3,000 UK employees, found that 65% of hospitality workers experience regular stress at work, while 95% are unable to disconnect from their jobs during time off.
The hospitality sector, known for its demanding nature, was identified as the UK’s most stressed deskless industry, surpassing other sectors such as retail, transport, and warehousing. A key contributor to this stress is the use of personal social media platforms for work-related communication, with 75% of hospitality staff reporting that they are contacted by their bosses on apps like WhatsApp, more than any other industry.
The report also found that hospitality workers find it particularly difficult to leave work behind once they clock off. Of the 95% who struggle to switch off, almost half (47%) say they spend their time off thinking about ways to improve their performance or how they can help their company. Additionally, over a third (37%) are preoccupied with concerns about low pay, while 34% dwell on the stressful conditions they face in their work environments.
The scrapping of the ‘right to switch off’ legislation is seen as a blow to workers’ rights, especially in an industry that already grapples with high levels of stress and burnout. The proposed measure would have given employees legal protection to disconnect from work communications during their off-hours, something that many hospitality staff say is sorely needed.
Quinyx’s Chief HR Officer, Toma Pagojute, expressed disappointment over the government’s U-turn, particularly as it coincided with this year’s World Mental Health Day, which focused on workplace mental health. She warned that without formal legislation, there is a risk that businesses will let standards slip.
“Companies will now be expected to set their own guidelines, but in a fast-paced industry like hospitality, I fear it will be too easy for employers to neglect this responsibility,” Pagojute said. “WhatsApp may be convenient for work discussions, but it blurs the line between professional and personal life, making it difficult for staff to truly switch off. This not only increases stress but raises concerns over data protection.”
Pagojute emphasised the importance of establishing clear boundaries between work and personal time to prevent long-term harm to workers’ wellbeing. “The hospitality sector operates at a relentless pace, and staff are often giving everything when they are on the job. Without cast-iron frameworks to ensure they have uninterrupted time off, there is a very real danger of both physical and mental health issues. If not addressed, this could lead to higher turnover as staff leave the industry altogether.”
The call for action comes as the hospitality sector continues to face staffing challenges, with recruitment and retention already proving difficult. Experts are warning that unless employers prioritise the wellbeing of their workers, the situation could have serious consequences for the industry’s future.