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Communication Skills for Challenging Interactions 

By andrewwalsh

In front-line roles within tourism and hospitality, interacting with customers and delivering exceptional service is central to daily operations. While many interactions are positive, there will inevitably be moments when employees face challenging interactions. These challenges can escalate quickly if not handled effectively, potentially affecting both the physical and psychological well-being of staff.  To ensure … Continued

Having the Conversation

By andrewwalsh

How to support coworkers or employees THE 5 STEPS APPROACH: 1. Prepare 2. Talk about what you see Mental illness is not invisible, identify any changes to: 3. Ask if they are okay—in your own words 4. Ask what you can do to help Important: If you get a sense that this is warranted, ask … Continued

Healthy Coping Strategies for Mental Health

By andrewwalsh

Deep Breathing Deep breathing or diaphragmatic breathing plays a vital role in maintaining good mental health. It’s effective because it helps regulate the body’s stress response by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation. Box breathing is a popular strategy because it’s simple and easy to remember. TRY IT! Simply, inhale, hold … Continued

What Psychological Hazards Can Sound Like at Work 

By andrewwalsh

“I am burnt out” is likely a statement you’ve heard from someone at work or maybe you have experienced burn out yourself at some point. Employees may talk about psychological hazards in the workplace different ways.  Psychological Hazards   Psychological hazards are conditions or factors that have the potential to cause psychological harm. According to the … Continued

​​How Our Values Impact Our Mental Health at Work

By jenniferquan

Personal values drive our behaviours and decisions every day. When our values align to the work we do and to the workplace environment, there is greater positive impact on our mental health and overall productivity. Our values allow us to be more of ourselves at work, bringing authentic contributions, ideas and perspectives to the table. … Continued

​​Psychological Health and Safety for Young Workers

By jenniferquan

The tourism & Hospitality Industry is known for attracting and hiring a lot of young workers. In fact, young workers (aged 15 to 24) represent the largest group at 28% of the total of the Tourism and Hospitality workforce in BC [1]. Furthermore, Young workers are reporting higher rates of psychological distress than any other age group, … Continued

​​Celebrating Pride

By jenniferquan

June is the start of Pride Season, a time of celebration, advocacy, and solidarity for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community worldwide. However, amidst the global rise of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ sentiment, ensuring workplace psychological safety for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees has never been more crucial. [1] In the face of discrimination and prejudice, employers play a vital role in creating inclusive work environments where … Continued

The Mental Health Continuum and Stages of Wellness

By jenniferquan

In recent years, the importance of mental health and well-being has gained increased recognition across various industries. The tourism and hospitality sector, known for its fast-paced and demanding nature, is no exception. To address the mental health challenges faced by workers and leaders in this sector, we recommend the mental health continuum model as a … Continued

Self Care: Internalizing Customer Service

By andrewwalsh

In the tourism and hospitality industry, customer service is essential yet often overshadows our mental well-being, particularly during peak seasons when we strive to deliver exceptional service. What if we redirected that customer service focus inward? Every July 24th we celebrate Self-Care Day, let’s explore four core elements of customer service that will help prioritize … Continued

Tips to Improve Organizational Culture

By andrewwalsh

Organizational Culture is included as one of the 13 factors that impact workplace mental health according to the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. The concept of organizational culture seems to be trending lately, with phrases like “toxic organizational culture” and “building organizational culture” being hot topics. However, what exactly is … Continued