Prioritizing Our Mental Health, One Resource at a Time

By Anna Pham

May 3, 2024

Online Exclusive

Our industry is a bustling sector, renowned for its culinary diversity and its commitment to experiences that will always put the guest first. Behind the scenes, however, lies a workforce and owners/operators who are often silently grappling with mental health challenges. The demanding nature of the industry, characterized by long hours, high-pressure environments, and limited work-life balance can take a toll no matter how “resilient” one can be. It’s obvious that the current workplace environment and structure of the foodservice sector needs to be challenged to evolve and reflect on the diverse needs of its people.

Over the years, we’ve highlighted and collaborated with non-profit organizations, advocators, industry leaders, and writers to continue the conversation in hopes that we can all foster a culture of openness and acceptance. As a collective and in support of our industry, we can create environments where individuals will feel empowered to prioritize their mental wellness first.

MENU Magazine continues to play a role in raising awareness and destigmatizing mental health issues. Below are a few articles that share personal stories, expert insights, and practical tips to foster a deeper understanding.

WEBINAR

Webinar – Top of Prep List: Workers’ Mental Health & Resources to Support Them – Restaurants Canada

In this webinar, we join an expert panel that provides valuable insights and practical solutions for creating a mentally healthy workplace while tackling the labour shortage. Top of Prep List: Workers Mental Health & Resources to Support Them is suitable for foodservice operators, managers, human resource professionals, and anyone interested in promoting mental health in our industry.

Takeaway: Mental Health impact – JDB Group (1) (002).pdf

Organizations and initiatives continue to grow, providing more support and resources for us across the nation. From the UK to our home turf, we’ve also included a list here that we think would be beneficial to all:

Not 9 To 5 Organization – CNECTing – CNECTing | Not 9 To 5 – Not 9 to 5 Organization

Not 9 to 5 created CNECTing for hospitality professionals to access educational content and mental health training. By joining, you’ll have the chance to access hospitality-specific resources including CNECTed, a groundbreaking training and certification course to develop mental health and substance use support skills. Once you join, you can also download the Workplace Mental Health Guidebook for free, ideal for managers and leaders!

Join CNECTing + get CNECTed certified.

The Burnt Chef Project – The Burnt Chef Academy E Learning | The Burnt Chef Project

The Burnt Chef Academy from The Burnt Chef Project is an online training and resource centre dedicated to providing both individuals and management teams across the world with a market-leading level of knowledge and understanding when it comes to the subject of wellbeing and mental health.

Available online, via Google Play or Apple’s App Store the Burnt Chef Academy contains vital free learning modules to upskill hospitality staff in the following areas:

Suicide Awareness
Bullying in the Workplace
Financial Health
Sleep
Understanding the term Mental Health
Managing Mental Health in the Workplace
Equality and Diversity in Hospitality
Impacts of Drugs and Alcohol
Breathwork Training for Hospitality
Performance Management
Mental Health Awareness for Managers
Effective Communication
Nutrition for Mental Health
Vulnerability in Hospitality
Retention of Employees
Psychological Safety
Gambling Awareness

Mental Health Commission of Canada – Building Mental Health into Retail and Hospitality Organizations, A Simple Guide

Building Mental Health into Retail and Hospitality Organizations: A Simple Guide (mentalhealthcommission.ca)

This guide is designed to help retail and hospitality industry decision makers create the foundation for good workplace mental health. It includes tips, training suggestions, important programs, and conversation guidelines to get you started. Putting these pieces in place will set your business on the right path for a successful journey toward establishing a psychologically healthy and safe workplace.

Fair Kitchens – Leading A Fair Kitchen

#FairKitchens Leadership Training

A new online educational series to inspire and equip you to become a more effective leader. Presented by Unilever Food Solutions and The Culinary Institute of America as an industry service to #FairKitchens.

Available for FREE to hospitality and foodservice workers everywhere.

In this online educational series, you’ll learn from inspiring kitchen leaders and industry experts from across the world. The insights and advice shared about self-awareness, communication, recruitment, team building, wellbeing and crisis management are invaluable.

Watch the video modules that follow and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more empathetic and effective leader.

Workplace Safety and Prevention Services – Mental Harm Prevention Roadmap

WSPS Mental Harm Prevention Roadmap | Home

The Mental Harm Prevention Roadmap is a free tool that was developed by WSPS in collaboration with Howatt HR Consulting. It offers an evidence-based approach that helps employers create and implement strategies, programs and policies related to psychological health and safety. It will ask you to: assess your current state, build your action plan and monitor your results. Use the WSPS Mental Harm Prevention Roadmap to create a sustainable action plan for your organization and business today.

If you’re thinking about suicide (or are worried about a loved one)

Any time of the day or night, you can dial 1-833-456-4566 (available in English and French) to reach the Canada Suicide Prevention Service, run by Crisis Services Canada, a national network of non-profit distress and crisis service centres. From 4 p.m. to midnight ET, you can also text “Start” to 45645 for support (currently only available in English), but do note, that their website warns that online and texting services are slower at the moment, so they are encouraging calls instead.

If you’re struggling with substance use

Exacerbating feelings of anxiety or depression can drive you to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs, remember that you’re not alone. But substance use can make mental health problems worse, as the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health notes. For support, contact an addiction helpline in your province/territory; the Government of Canada maintains a list.