Now more than ever, it’s critical that mental health support is given “space” in the conversations around recovery, says the World Travel & Tourism Council. And to that end, the WTTC has launched a set of mental health guidelines designed to support businesses of all sizes in the travel and tourism sector in supporting the mental health of their employees.

The guidelines come at a time when “mental health could not be more important. With lockdowns, quarantines, job losses, and uncertainty looming larger than ever all against the backdrop of winter, it is crucial that mental health support is given space in the conversations around recovery,” says the London-based organization

The Mental Heath Guidelines build on Diversity & Inclusion Guidelines released in 2020, going “one step deeper” to focus on mental wellbeing, says the WTTC, which adds, “It will help businesses better prepare for the recovery period following the COVID-19 crisis, and will ensure that as the sector rebuilds, it comes back stronger and better than before.”

The WTTC cites research from the Chartered Institute of Personal Development that says that more than 95% of employees feel that poor mental health affects their performance at work, while 85% say it is difficult to concentrate when struggling with poor mental health, and 64% feel that it takes them longer to complete tasks.

Furthermore, research conducted by the World Health Organization revealed a US$4 return in improved health and productivity for every US$1 investment in improved treatment for common mental disorders.

Compiled with the advice of leading health authorities and private sector leaders to specifically aid the Travel & Tourism sector, the WTTC guidelines are divided into four pillars:

1. Developing a Supportive System
2. Creating Safe Spaces
3. Supporting an Agile System
4. Exemplifying Support for Good Mental Health

Examples of the guidelines include:

• Provide appropriate mental health support within the organizational structure to the extent possible. This could include access to professional and specialized support through the local health authority and/or the business itself.

• Develop leave policies that offer equivalent time off and/or concessions for mental health and physical health, without prejudice.

• Develop feedback systems that allow employees to share if and how the current systems are working well and not working well to meet staff needs.

• Foster an environment that respects the value of wellbeing, at all levels of the organization, and does not ostracise those with mental health conditions whether common or less common.

• Consider incorporating intentional wellness elements in the design of new buildings, offices, locations, and/or spaces, where possible.

• Engage with like-minded businesses and associations to share best practice and improve support for and awareness of mental health.

The maintenance of and support for good mental health should be part of any organization’s culture and strategy, concludes the WTTC.

“After nearly a full year of insecurity and hardship that has come from the COVID-19 pandemic, the time could not be more appropriate to invest in the mental well-being of this sector,” stated WTTC president and CEO Gloria Guevara.

“The Travel & Tourism sector is one that brings joy to people of all walks of life, therefore it makes perfect sense for the sector to reflect these values within the workplace as well. We look forward to seeing these guidelines make real change within the workforce,” she said.

(“Connecting” is an occasional series in Travel Industry Travel designed to give members of the Canadian travel industry a forum to reach out to help or for help during the unprecedented times of the pandemic. Created in collaboration with Ian and Sam Cowan at Connection Custom Travel, the series focusses on a wide range of themes, from financial to psychological well being, and more importantly, facilitates a social network to share thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and questions. Please e-mail us at editor@travelindustrytoday.com and use the word “Connecting” in the subject line).

More articles in this series: https://travelindustrytoday.com/connecting/