The Impact of COVID-19 on Restaurant Employees

There are only 631K restaurants in the United States. That’s 72K less than in 2019… 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the restaurant industry as a whole, with many businesses struggling to stay afloat amidst the economic downturn. 

But restaurant employees have been hit the hardest by the pandemic. 

Let’s explore the impact of COVID-19 on restaurant employees and the steps that employers can take to support their staff during these challenging times.

1. Job Losses

One of the most significant impacts of COVID-19 on restaurant employees has been job losses. According to the National Restaurant Association, the industry lost an estimated 2.5 million jobs in April 2020 alone, with many more expected to follow in the coming months. Many restaurant employees have been left without a source of income and are struggling to make ends meet.

This has been particularly devastating for workers in low-wage positions, such as servers and dishwashers. These workers often rely on tips and hourly wages to support themselves and their families, and with restaurants closing or reducing capacity, their income has been severely impacted.

2. Health and Safety Concerns

Restaurant employees are also at an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to the nature of their work. 

They are in close proximity to customers and colleagues, which increases the likelihood of transmission. Many restaurant workers have expressed concerns about their health and safety, especially when employers fail to provide adequate protective equipment or enforce social distancing guidelines.

Moreover, many restaurant employees have limited access to healthcare and sick leave, which makes it difficult for them to seek medical attention if they become ill. This has left many employees feeling vulnerable and at risk.

3. Mental Health Issues

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of many individuals, and restaurant employees are no exception. 

Many workers have reported feeling anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed due to the uncertainty of their jobs and the risk of exposure to the virus. Additionally, workers who have lost their jobs or are struggling financially may experience depression or feelings of hopelessness.

4. Employer Responsibility

Employers have a responsibility to support their employees during these challenging times. If not now, when?

This includes providing adequate protective equipment, enforcing social distancing guidelines, and offering sick leave to employees who are ill or need to quarantine. Employers should also prioritize the mental health and well-being of their staff by offering counseling services or mental health resources.

One way that employers can support their employees is by offering financial assistance. This could include providing financial assistance to workers who have lost their jobs, offering bonuses or hazard pay to employees who are still working, or providing loans to help employees cover expenses during difficult times.

Employers should also communicate with their employees regularly and provide updates on any changes to their business operations. This can help to reduce anxiety and uncertainty among employees and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

5. Community Support

In addition to support from employers, restaurant employees also need support from their local communities. 

Customers can help by ordering takeout or delivery from their favorite restaurants, tipping generously, and advocating for policies that support restaurant workers. Local governments can also provide support by offering financial assistance to struggling restaurants and advocating for policies that protect the rights of restaurant employees.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on restaurant employees, leaving many without a source of income and at an increased risk of exposure to the virus. Employers have a responsibility to support their employees during these challenging times by providing adequate protective equipment, offering sick leave, and prioritizing the mental health and well-being of their staff. Additionally, customers and local governments can play a role in supporting restaurant workers by ordering takeout or delivery, tipping generously, and advocating for policies that protect the rights of restaurant employees. 

By working together, we can support restaurant workers and ensure that they are able to weather this crisis.

Now, let’s get to work.

About 1Huddle

1Huddle is a coaching and development platform that uses quick-burst mobile games to more quickly and effectively educate, elevate, and energize your workforce — from frontline to full-time.

With a mobile-first approach to preparing the modern worker, a mobile library of 3,000+ quick-burst employee skill games, an on-demand game marketplace that covers 16 unique workforce skill areas, and the option for personalized content, 1Huddle is changing the way organizations think about their training – from a one-time boring onboarding experience to a continuous motivational tool. 

Key clients include Loews Hotels, Novartis, Madison Square Garden, PIMCO, TAO Group, and the United States Air Force. To learn more about 1Huddle and its platform, please visit 1huddle.co.