Summer is one of the most exciting and demanding times of the year for hospitality. Venues are full, rosters stretch, customer expectations rise, and the emotional load on staff can quietly snowball. While the energy and bustle can be great for business, it can also place intense pressure on frontline workers, leaders and teams.
This is why the summer period is the most important time to prioritise wellbeing, not just for staff members individually, but as part of your venue culture. When people feel supported, understood and valued, they’re more resilient, more engaged and better equipped to provide the exceptional service the season demands.
Here’s how you can support your team through the busiest stretch of the year.
1. Plan the Pressure Points
Your team knows summer is hectic. What makes the difference is leadership naming it upfront.
Acknowledging the load “We know this week will be huge” helps staff feel seen and reduces the emotional weight of pretending everything is fine. It also sets a tone of openness rather than silent burnout.
Consider holding a quick team huddle to outline the upcoming busy days, reinforce expectations, and remind staff of the support available.
2. Build Micro-Breaks Into the Busy Rhythm
In hospitality, long shifts and the increased busyness can overwhelm even the most experienced worker.
Encourage micro-breaks such as:
- A step outside for fresh air
- Two minutes of deep breathing
- A quick drink of water
- A moment away from noise and crowds
As a leader, model this behaviour, if managers never pause, staff won’t feel permission to.
3. Strengthen Communication Before It’s Needed
During peak seasons, small miscommunications can escalate quickly. Setting up clear, calm communication channels helps everyone stay grounded.
You might:
- Run short pre shift briefings
- Assign clear points of contact during each shift
- Use shared messaging channels for roster changes
- Normalise asking for help
Remember: people communicate differently under stress. Encourage staff to signal early if they feel overwhelmed or need a moment to reset.
4. Make Mental Health Resources Visible and Accessible
Your team doesn’t always have time to go looking for support. Put resources where people will see them and actually use them.
This could include:
- Posters in the staff room with helpline numbers
- A QR code linking to Healthy Mind Menu resources
- Your venue’s wellbeing contact person
- Reminders that HMM courses or support cards are available
You can access all these and more via www.healthymindmenu.org.au
5. Recognise the Emotional Labour Behind the Hospitality Smile
Hospitality staff often take on emotional roles that go unspoken:
- Managing difficult customers
- Staying calm under pressure
- Handling emotional spillover from patrons
- Absorbing the energy of a busy venue
Acknowledging emotional labour shows your team that their effort isn’t invisible. A simple statement like, “You handled that really well,” or “I know that was tough, thank you,” can go a long way.
6. Celebrate Your Team
Throughout the busyness, take a moment to appreciate your team:
- A staff meal
- A thank you message
- A small gesture of recognition
- A group photo wall
- A shout out on your venue’s socials
These celebrations reinforce belonging and help staff end the year feeling valued rather than depleted.
A Strong Team Starts With a Supportive Culture
Healthy Mind Menu exists to help create mentally healthy hospitality workplaces. Summer will always be busy, but with the right support in place, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
When your staff feel cared for, safe and supported, they’re not just better workers, they’re healthier human beings.
If you’d like more tools, resources or support cards for your venue, visit: www.healthymindmenu.org.au
