Key Takeaways:
- 64% of hospitality managers in the United States said burnout caused their team members to quit.
- Around 47% of hospitality workers feel they don’t have enough work-life balance.
- Those aged 18 to 29 experience the highest rates of burnout.
- About 50% of people in hospitality take on extra jobs just to make ends meet.
- Only 33% of hospitality workers feel interested and involved in their daily tasks.
- Flexible scheduling, proactive mental health support and strong, visible leadership are some of the key strategies to reduce burnout in hospitality.
Burnout continues to be a major issue in the hospitality industry, affecting workers across restaurants, hotels and other similar establishments.
This report presents the latest data on burnout in hospitality and offers actionable insights and strategies for business owners, HR leaders and managers to better support their workforce and boost employee retention.
Overview of the Latest Burnout Statistics in Hospitality
The hospitality industry has one of the highest burnout rates among service-oriented sectors. In fact, a recent study found nearly half (47%) of hospitality frontline managers in the U.S. feel burned out.
On top of that, 68% of those managers said their team members have directly told them about feeling burned out, too.
Even more concerning, 64% of managers said employees have quit specifically due to burnout.
Employee demographics most affected by burnout
Younger workers (ages 18 to 29) in hospitality and those in frontline positions (such as Servers and Baristas) show the highest burnout rates. Among these, 68% report being “very stressed” at work.
Women experience slightly higher burnout than men, with 65% of female hospitality employees reporting symptoms versus 60% of their male counterparts.
Employers who actively address burnout in these groups — through fair scheduling, clear communication and mental health support — are more likely to retain talent and build a healthier, more sustainable workplace.
Primary Causes of Burnout in Hospitality
Several common issues are pushing hospitality workers — and their managers — to the brink:
- Last-minute schedule changes: 69% of shift workers in hospitality say their schedules often change without warning, making it hard to manage personal commitments.
- Irregular and long hours: Nearly all (98%) employees report working overtime, with 75% saying they aren’t given enough prior notice.
- Poor work-life balance: About half (47%) of hospitality staff don’t feel they have time to recharge.
- Juggling multiple jobs: 50% of hospitality workers take on second or even third jobs just to cover basic expenses, which adds to their exhaustion and stress.
- Lack of support from managers: Around 67% of staff say their requests for shift adjustments are often ignored or dismissed, fueling frustration and disengagement on the job.
Understanding these burnout triggers is key for employers who want to retain their teams — and for workers looking for healthier job environments.
Impact of Burnout on Employee Engagement and Turnover
Burnout plays a major role in declining employee engagement across the hospitality industry.
Recent studies show that only about 33% of hospitality workers feel engaged with their jobs — a rate lower than the general workforce.
This lack of engagement is closely linked to higher burnout risk. That’s because when burnout sets in, motivation drops, teamwork suffers and employees become less willing to go the extra mile.
These then make it harder to maintain productivity and a positive workplace atmosphere.
High burnout may also directly contribute to high turnover.
The hospitality industry has a 74% annual turnover, which is around five times higher than the 12–15% average seen in other industries.
Left unaddressed, these challenges can affect service quality, lower guest satisfaction and ultimately hurt the business’s bottom line.
Mental Health Challenges Among Hospitality Workers
Hospitality workers face high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. A survey found that 40% of employees in this industry said their work negatively affects their mental health.
At the same time, many hospitality managers report feeling under-resourced when it comes to addressing these issues. More than half (54%) say there isn’t enough training on mental health and well-being, and 38% feel unprepared to handle high-stress situations on the job.
Those in guest-facing roles, such as Servers, Baristas and Receptionists, are especially vulnerable. They’re nearly twice as likely to experience depression and one-third more likely to suffer from anxiety compared to other workers.
However, they’re also 30% less likely to seek professional help.
See also: Understanding Burnout vs. Stress: A Guide for Hospitality Professionals
Strategies To Combat Burnout in Hospitality
Minimizing and preventing burnout effectively begins with spotting early warning signs and providing support to employees before issues become serious.
Here are some measures that hospitality employers should consider implementing:
- Leadership and resilience training for managers and supervisors to better support their teams
- Mental health support programs that provide access to counselors and resources
- Flexible scheduling options and workload adjustments to reduce stress
- Peer recognition tools like digital badges, “Employee of the Month” or simple thank-you boards
- Wellness incentives like free gym memberships or healthy meals during shifts
- Peer support systems, such as “peer support buddies” during onboarding, regular group check-ins and monthly “wellness moments” during pre-shift huddles
- Optional quarterly 1:1 meetings with HR or anonymous online pulse surveys
See also: Perks at Work: What Benefits Make Your Employees Happy?
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