taking the temperature 2025. the results are in.

There’s a clear message for hospitality leaders in the 2025 Taking the Temperature survey from Hospitality Action, supported by Agilysys; awareness around wellbeing is growing, but the gap between good intentions and real impact is still too wide. And it’s affecting business.

The data says it all:

 • 57% say under-resourcing is the biggest challenge (up 21% from last year)

• 52% cite excessive workloads

 • 50% struggle with work/life balance

 • 75% have experienced poor mental health in their adult lives

It’s a picture of a workforce stretched thin, often unsupported, and increasingly impacted by cost-driven headcount reductions.

But wider hospitality employs millions of people. And every one of them deserves a workplace that supports their wellbeing, not erodes it.

This is why human-centric hiring and leadership is so crucial, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes business sense. The best leaders model the behaviours they want to see; they set boundaries, show vulnerability, and embed wellbeing into their strategy.

One of the most practical steps you can take is to offer a robust Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). But it must be visible, accessible, and understood. People should know what’s available, how to use it confidentially, and that asking for help is encouraged.

Hospitality Action offers a brilliant, hospitality-specific EAP; 24/7 support, tailored to the sector, and competitively priced. If you’re not already using it, now is the time.

Because when we build businesses where people feel safe, supported, and empowered, and when we treat people as individuals, performance follows.

Download the full report here