It’s no secret that substance use is prevalent in the hospitality industry and often contributes to widespread mental health struggles. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “people with a substance use disorder may also have other mental health disorders, and people with mental health disorders may also struggle with substance use.”
In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re proud to spotlight a few of our clients who are focused on “human sustainability” and leading the way in prioritizing mental health support services—and other life-improving benefits—for their employees.
Ben’s Friends is a supportive community of sober food and beverage people committed to sharing a way forward with those seeking sobriety and mental health support resources. Founded in 2016 by industry veterans Steve Palmer and Mickey Bakst—who have nearly 60 years of sobriety between them—in honor of Ben Murray, a chef who took his own life after struggling with alcoholism, their purpose is to help one another find freedom from the bondage of addiction.
Palmer is also the Chief Vision Officer and Founder of The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, a company that’s setting a powerful example for what employee support looks like in the industry. This includes initiatives like access to free counseling, paid time off, comprehensive insurance coverage (health, dental, and vision), and an alcohol-free workplace—including no shift drinks. They also offer a zero-interest home loan program, which has helped 13 team members become homeowners to date.
Noko and Kase X Noko Co-Founders Jon Murray, Wilson Brannock, and Dung “Junior” Vo demonstrate care for their employees through a generous benefits package that features company-funded, comprehensive insurance coverage (inclusive of health, vision, dental, and long-term disability); paid time off; free yoga; four-day work weeks; a yearly travel stipend padded by diverting 1% of all sales; and more. They’re also excited to offer cost-free childcare and family health insurance in the coming months.
Hospitality is among the industries with the greatest documented need for mental health support services. Burnout, long hours, challenging customers, and historically low wages are just a few of the hurdles hospitality professionals face daily. Despite these conditions, hospitality workers are famous for helping and celebrating guests every day. We’re honored to partner with leaders who recognize these realities and who are actively building workplace cultures that care for the people who care for others.
