Leading by Example

In BC’s busy tourism and hospitality industry, mental wellness needs to be more than just a talking point—it should be an essential part of the work culture. Seasonal demands, long hours, and guest-facing roles can add up, putting pressure on even the most resilient teams. As a leader, you play a vital role in creating a workplace where mental health is prioritized and respected. Your actions set the tone for how your team approaches their own wellness. Here’s how you can help your team thrive by modeling and supporting mental wellness, even in the busiest of seasons.

What you do as a leader speaks louder than what you say. If you’re constantly pushing through breaks, working overtime, or skipping out on self-care, your team will think they should do the same. But if you show them that it’s okay—and even necessary—to take time to recharge, they’re more likely to take care of themselves, too. Creating a mental health-positive workplace starts with setting a strong example.

Tourism and hospitality workplaces are famously unpredictable. Winter ski seasons, summer festivals, and holiday rushes can make it hard to maintain balance. But as a leader, you can help your team manage these seasonal highs and lows. Start by acknowledging that peak periods are intense. Then, be proactive about creating downtime for your team afterward. Offering a flexible day off or arranging schedules to give staff breaks when things slow down can be a huge morale booster. It shows your team that their well-being matters, even in the most demanding times.

It’s not just about policies—it’s about what you do every day. Here are some easy, practical ways to show that wellness matters:

For mental wellness to be part of your workplace culture, your team needs to feel safe, respected, and supported. This doesn’t mean you need a big mental health overhaul; it’s about creating a caring environment through small, consistent actions. Ask yourself: are team meetings a safe place for people to share how they’re doing? Do your job roles and schedules allow for reasonable workloads? Building this kind of support requires regular check-ins, openness to feedback, and a willingness to adjust roles and tasks to meet people’s needs.

Mental health fluctuates for all of us. As a leader, one of the most powerful things you can do is share your own approach to wellness. For example, you could mention a self-care practice you find helpful, like taking short breaks during the day or disconnecting in the evening. Or, if you’re having a particularly stressful week, share how you’re managing it. This openness normalizes the reality of mental health ups and downs and lets your team know they’re not alone. Great guidance for this is in the Mental Health Continuum and Stages of Wellness.

In addition, consider making wellness check-ins a regular part of team meetings and one-on-ones. These don’t need to be formal or detailed, but giving employees the space to talk about their mental health helps break down stigmas and encourages everyone to seek help when they need it.

Finally, review your policies and procedures to ensure they’re aligned with mental health best practices. If your business has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), make sure your team knows it’s there. Use resources like Psychological Health & Safety: WorkSafeBC’s Framework for Success to create a supportive environment. In a fast-paced industry, policies like flexible scheduling, reasonable shift expectations, and clear boundaries can be lifelines for employee well-being.

By leading with empathy and making mental wellness a part of daily operations, you help build a resilient team and a positive work environment. When employees feel respected and supported, they’re more likely to bring their best selves to work. Remember, a healthy workplace culture starts with small steps, modeled by you, the leader.

In BC’s tourism and hospitality industry, where teams are dedicated to giving guests memorable experiences, it’s essential to support the people who make it all happen. By showing up for your team’s mental wellness, you’re investing in a stronger, happier, and more sustainable workplace for everyone.