COVID-19 Impact on UK Restaurant Employees' Wellbeing

This research project investigates the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health, well-being, and work stress of employees within the UK restaurant industry. The study examines the detrimental effects of the pandemic on employees, including increased work stress, job insecurity, and mental health challenges. The research includes a literature review covering the background of the study, the impact of COVID-19, and the state of the restaurant trade in the UK. The methodology section details the research approach, strategy, and data collection methods, including the use of survey questionnaires. The findings are presented through data analysis, highlighting the challenges faced by employees. The discussion section explores the key objectives, including the concept of work stress, the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, organizational challenges, and strategies for managing mental health and well-being. The project concludes with recommendations for improving employee well-being and mitigating the negative impacts of the pandemic, offering valuable insights for restaurant organizations. The research also provides a comprehensive understanding of the current situation and suggests strategies to enhance employee performance and productivity within the restaurant sector.

Research project
(Topic: To investigate the impact of covid-19 on mental health, well-being and work stress of
employees within restaurants organisation.” A case study of the United Kingdom)

ABSTRACT
Mental health and wellbeing within employees is an important concept for organisation
working as it directly impacts upon the productivity and profitability levels. The present
study will aims toward addressing the issues related to the mental health, wellbeing and work
stress within the covid-19 period faced by the employee is working in restaurant industry of
UK. However, the previous studies based on the similar topic have not considered the impact
upon all three factors by considering the covid-19. Within the present study it will evaluate
this topic by considering the concept of mental health, wellbeing and work stress among the
employees. Furthermore, the study will also evaluate impact of covid-19 on mental health
and wellbeing of employees working within restaurant organisation. This will further
evaluate the different challenges faced by the employees within covid-19 period that
impacted upon the mental health and wellbeing of employees and increases their work stress.
Finally the research will evaluate different strategies available to minimise impacts and
increase performance and productivity of employees. This research also contains use of
primary data analysis that will be based upon the survey questionnaire method. The research
represent oral findings in the end by considering the current situation and data analysis from
primary sources. Further, it also included different recommendations that can be followed to
improve the existing conditions.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am extremely grateful to be a part of this study as the primal dynamics associated with this
study holds a greater significance in societal domain. The study was helpful for me in
outlining the magnitude of health act associated with stress and mental wellbeing within
restaurant sector of United Kingdom. In addition the study was helpful for me in magnifying
my analytical skills by navigating through vast database and highlighting reliable shreds of
evidence. I was overwhelmed by the support of my tutor and my fellow classmates in
overcoming the obstacles in the course of completion of this study.
Thank you

Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................5
1.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................5
1.2 Background......................................................................................................................5
1.3 Research objectives..........................................................................................................5
1.4 Significance of the research.............................................................................................6
1.5 Research questions...........................................................................................................6
1.6 Justifications.....................................................................................................................6
1.7 Limitations.......................................................................................................................7
1.8 Organization of project....................................................................................................7
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW.....................................................................................................7
2.1 Introductions....................................................................................................................7
2.2 Background of the study..................................................................................................8
2.3 Research problems...........................................................................................................8
2.4 Details about COVID 19..................................................................................................9
2.5 Stress................................................................................................................................9
2.6 Restaurants trade in the UK.............................................................................................9
2.7 To investigate the notion of work stress in an employee...............................................10
2.8 To identify the impact of covid-19 on mental health and well-being of employees
working within restaurants organisation in the UK.............................................................11
2.9 To understand the challenges restaurants organisation face in managing mental health,
well-being and work stress of employees within the UK....................................................12
2.10 To determine the strategies for managing mental health, well-being and work stress in
restaurants, organisation employees.....................................................................................14
2.0 METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................16
3.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................16
3.2 Research methodology...................................................................................................16

3.3 Research onion...............................................................................................................16
3.4 Research philosophy......................................................................................................16
3.5 Research approach.........................................................................................................17
3.6 Research strategy...........................................................................................................17
3.7 Research choice..............................................................................................................18
3.8 Time horizons.................................................................................................................18
3.9 Data collection...............................................................................................................18
3.10 Data analysis................................................................................................................19
3.11 Sampling......................................................................................................................19
3.12 Ethical consideration....................................................................................................19
3.13 Summary......................................................................................................................20
4.0 DATA ANALYSIS............................................................................................................20
4.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................20
4.2 Data analysis..................................................................................................................20
4.3 Findings..........................................................................................................................23
4.5 Summary........................................................................................................................24
5.0 DISCUSSION....................................................................................................................24
5.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................24
5.2 Discussion......................................................................................................................24
Objective 1: The concept of work stress in an employee.....................................................24
Objective 2: Impact of covid-19 on mental health and well-being of employees...............24
Objectives 3: Challenges in front of restaurant organisation to management and health and
well-being within employees...............................................................................................25
Objectives 4: The strategies for managing mental health, well-being and work stress and
restaurant businesses among employees..............................................................................26
5.3 Limitation.......................................................................................................................27
5.4 Summary........................................................................................................................28
6.0 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS....................................................................28

6.1 Conclusion......................................................................................................................28
6.2 Recommendation............................................................................................................30
REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................32
APPENDIX..............................................................................................................................36

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
Mental health management of work stress and appropriate well-being is an essential aspect
within an employee's life that needs to be managed appropriately (Pilgrim, D., 2019). It
identifies the covid-19 has impacted adversely upon the functioning of organisations and
resulted in several deaths. There are 1.35 million deaths, and 73.4 million people have been
infected the whole covid-19 UK (WHO, 2021). It also advocated the mental health, well-
being and work stress of employees. Covid-19 hurts the hospitality businesses that include
restaurant organisations (Coronavirus disease, 2021). This chapter within the report will
consider the impact of covid-19 on mental health and the work stress of employees working
within the restaurant organisation in the UK.
1.2 Background
Covid-19 harms the world economy where a large section of society is facing difficulties due
to it. It is evaluated that covid-19 has approximately 46 million deaths. It clearly shows the
impact of covid-19 upon overall performance (WHO, 2021). It is further identified that
covid-19 also impacted adversely upon restaurant businesses to the UK. Due to covid-19, the
government must impose a lockdown order between 20th March 2020 and 4th July 2020. It
resulted in closing the operation of cafes and restaurants within the UK (Economics
observatory, 2021). A limited number of restaurants are open for delivery and takeaway, but
the industry was the shadow of its operations. Across Britain, there are a 9.7 % decline in
restaurant number and comparison to the before covid-19 (Economics observatory, 2021). It
directly relates to increased stress, mental pressure, and the well-being of employees working
within the restaurant industry. Several individuals have to quit their job because of the non-
mobility of business. Furthermore, employees were working upon delivery, and other aspects
are also facing difficulties as they working in covid-19 increased the chances of getting
infected and increased workload because of the limited availability of restaurants (Bufquin et
al., 2021). These impacts are evaluated within this research and are critically examined by
considering reports, articles, and previous research by different scholars to evaluate and
achieve appropriate outcomes.

1.3 Research objectives
Aim: “To investigate the impact of covid-19 on mental health, well-being and work stress of
employees within restaurants organisation.” A case study of the United Kingdom.
Objectives:
 To investigate the notion of work stress in an employee
 To identify the impact of covid-19 on mental health and well-being of employees
working within restaurants organisation in the UK.
 To understand the challenges restaurants organisation face in managing mental health,
well-being and work stress of employees within the UK.
 To determine the strategies for managing mental health, well-being and work stress in
restaurants organisation employees.
1.4 Significance of the research
The present research is based on investigating the impact of covid-19 on mental health and
well-being and work stress within employees working in the restaurant business. This
research is significant in providing adequate information about the various challenges
associated with the mental health and well-being of employees in the restaurant industry and
the impact of lockdown and covid-19 upon their performance. It is also significant in
providing adequate information regarding the problem faced by employees at the time of
covid-19. Furthermore, research is also significant in underlining the strategic options
available for the employees working in restaurant organisations to manage their mental
health, well-being and work stress at the time of covid-19.
1.5 Research questions
 What is the notion of work stress in an employee?
 What are the impacts of covid-19 on the mental health and well-being of employees
working within restaurants organisation in the UK?
 What are the challenges restaurants organisations faces in managing the mental
health, well-being and work stress of employees within the UK?
 What are the strategies for managing mental health, well-being and work stress in
restaurants organisation employees?

1.6 Justifications
The rationale behind choosing the research is to undermine work stress within the restaurant
business faced by the employees after the impact of covid-19 on the industry. The research
topic is white and helps in underlining different issues faced by the restaurant industry. The
restaurant industry plays a vital role within the UK, providing several employment
opportunities to individuals. The covid-19 has adversely impacted this industry because of
lockdown and decreasing trends. It ultimately leads to increased work stress dissatisfaction
and impacts the health and well-being of employees working in the industry. It acts as an
opportunity for the researcher to evaluate the impact and underline different strategies that
can be followed to achieve positive results. Another rationale behind using this topic is that
the personal development of the researcher as a resource will help improve the researcher's
skills. These skills are associated with academic development and future abilities to perform
similar researches on this topic.
1.7 Limitations
Several research limitations can impact the objectives of the research and the conclusion. The
primary limitation is related to the geographical location of the research as the research is
based in the UK, and changing the geographical location can change the research outcomes.
Further, another limitation of the researches is the availability and acceptance of covid-19.
Policies related to covid-19 can change after some time, bringing changes in the restaurant
industry and leading to differences in research outcomes.
1.8 Organization of project
This research is divided into six chapters, including an introduction, literature review,
research methodology, data analysis, discussion and recommendation, and conclusion. It
includes the researcher's different aspects to provide a system with all formats to the research
and use appropriate techniques.
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introductions
A literature review is a section of a more extensive study that examines the discussion
of many areas of literature by looking at the perspectives of numerous authors on a given
topic. It consists of collecting information about the study topic through books, journals, and
internet publications. The current study investigates the influence of covid-19 on employee

mental health and job stress in restaurant enterprises, using a case study from the United
Kingdom.
2.2 Background of the study
The present study is based upon the evaluation of the problem in context to mental health
well-being and work stress within the individuals working in the restaurant industry after the
impact of covid-19. Covid-19 impacted adversely upon the whole economy of the UK, in
which restaurant businesses have to start their operations due to lockdown implications
(Sarwar, Maqsood and Mujtaba, 2021). It impacted directly upon the organisation's
performance and ultimately led to the closure of operations for several restaurant businesses.
Some of the restaurants operate with their home delivery and takeaway facilities that
ultimately impact the increased burden of working on the individuals within the organisation.
It is further evaluated that employees working in restaurant organisations have to suffer work
stress, mental health, and well-being problems. All this information is covered by secondary
and primary sources collected from Google scholar and questionnaire surveys. There are
various previous research is based upon the impact of covid-19 on the wellbeing and re
silence of employees working within restaurant businesses. The research based upon impact
of job insecurity due to covid-19 stated the current position of employees working within the
restaurant businesses and the mental impact of covid-19 upon their wellbeing mental health
and perspective. It is also evaluated by Sarwar, Maqsood and Mujtaba, (2021) There are
various aspects of employee work status mental health and substance that impacted upon
their career in every to perform within restaurant businesses during the covid-19 (Bufquin et
al., 2021). Considering these researches the present report will be based upon the aim of
investigating the impact of covid-19 mental health wellbeing and works of employees within
restaurant organisations in UK.
2.3 Research problems
The present research is aimed towards evaluating the impact of covid-19 on mental health
wellbeing and work stress of employee’s one restaurant organisation. This is further
evaluated that there are different resources evaluating the influence of covid-19 up on mental
health of individuals working in restaurants. Nevertheless, there is no specific research upon
evaluating the work related stress and impact on wellbeing of employees but considering the
influence of covid-19. This research will help in bridging the gap between the existing
literature by providing adequate information in regards to the three factors employees will be
mental health and work stress.

2.4 Details about COVID 19
Coronavirus is an infectious disease that SARS-CoV-2 causes. It is identified that several
individuals are affected by this disease, and it is now a global pandemic. Father, it is also
identified that most people infected with this virus experience a mild level of respiratory
illness and recover without requiring any kind of unique creation (WHO, 2021). On the other
side, some people underline typical medical conditions that can affect their health and require
medical attention. Covid-19 has resulted in a significant number of deaths at the global level.
According to the World health organisation, 22 billion confirmed cases are registered, and 47
billion deaths are also registered due to covid-19 (WHO, 2021). Up to 14th September 2021
total number of 57 billion vaccine doses has been provided. It is a global pandemic that
impacts the lifestyle of individuals and results in changes within the living style of
individuals (WHO, 2021).
2.5 Stress
According to the viewpoints of Megson (2019), there is no certain definition of stress but in
scientific terms it can be understood as normal reaction of the body that has faced a change
that occurs to an exceptionally emotional and intellectual process. Stress within employees
can be understood baton with example (Megson, 2019). For instance, a person working in the
restaurant industry suddenly stops working because of the lockdown and closure of the
restaurant. It directly impacts their abilities and also leads to increased stress. One more
example of stress at the workplace is related to the increased burden of employees due to the
limited availability of restaurants serving in the covid-19 period (Seaward, 2017).
2.6 Restaurants trade in the UK
The restaurant industry within the UK has its two worth over 40 billion euros and consumers
are continuously engaging and enjoying the food across the industry on different channels
(Alex, 2021). This sector has a large diversity where restaurants range from top to end fine
dining established to quick service takeaway restaurant outlets. UK high streets tend to be
dominated by restaurants that include government burger kitchens and the clap man house
group. As per the evaluation of Alex (2021), the growth within the UK foodservice market is
continuously increasing where it is growing at 3% per year (Alex, 2021). The covid-19
impacted adversely upon this growth where the current forecast shows a decline within pubs,

cafes and restaurants (Alex, 2021). The average working hours are also reduced where and
July 2020 this is about less than 15 compared to previous months where it is the height of 35.
2.7 To investigate the notion of work stress in an employee
According to Siegrist, Wahrendorf, and Siegrist (2016), stress is a negative physical and
emotional response that may occur within an individual due to many conditions when
working on a specific task. Long working hours, a high workload, job insecurity, and
disagreements amongst co-workers are just a few of the numerous reasons for work-related
stress. On the other hand, work stress is defined by Bhagat, Segovis, and Nelson (2016) as
stress caused by competing demands in the same employment. The degree to which
employees have control over their workflow influences how stressful employment may be.
According to Prasad and Vaidya (2020), various factors of work stress must be considered to
comprehend work stress in employees. It includes things like environmental stress, people
difficulties, performance pressure, and various other things. Environmental stress factors are
linked with the physical environment at work, such as workplace safety concerns, the design
of one worker area, and different types of furniture, among other things (Prasad and Vaidya,
2020). On the other hand, uncertainty issues are associated with workplaces where people are
dissatisfied with their jobs and are constantly afraid of losing them (Khuong and Yen, 2016).
People concerns include coping with difficulties in managing co-workers, dealing with an
ominous atmosphere, and top-level management’s lack of support. Performance pressure,
which includes the quality and quantity of work where a person might feel pressure while
working, is one of the most prominent drivers of increased work stress in employees (Khuong
and Yen, 2016).
According to the Labour Force Survey (LFS), 2020, 828000 workers in the United Kingdom
are experiencing stress, depression, and anxiety in the years 2019 and 2020, and
approximately 17.9 million working days are lost due to work-related stress, depression, and
anxiety in the years 2019 and 2020 (Labour Force Survey (LFS), 2021). In addition, the year
2021 is displaying poor results, with a high number of employees suffering from health
problems, work-related stress, and a variety of other concerns (Labour Force Survey (LFS),
2021). These are connected to the influence of Covid-19, which led to increased work-related
stress among restaurant staff as a consequence of increasing pressure and the possibility of
losing their jobs.