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Abstract
Burnout is a critical issue in the hospitality industry, particularly in high-stress roles like hotel management, where staff face long hours and demanding customer interactions. This research explores the effectiveness of workplace counseling as an intervention to reduce burnout among hotel management staff. A mixed-method approach was employed to assess burnout levels pre- and post-intervention. Findings highlight the potential of workplace counseling to improve mental health and employee well-being, offering practical recommendations for integrating mental health support in hotel operations.
Introduction
Burnout in the hospitality industry, especially in hotel management, is pervasive due to the demanding nature of the work, requiring intense customer service and crisis management (Choi et al., 2019). Stress factors such as long working hours and limited support can significantly impact mental well-being and job performance (Schaufeli, 2017). Given the impact of mental health on productivity, workplace counseling is a promising intervention for burnout prevention, hypothesizing that structured counseling sessions could reduce burnout and improve well-being in hotel management staff (Nowrouzi et al., 2015).
Literature Review
Burnout in hospitality is marked by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment (Maslach, 2003). Studies indicate that stress from role overload and emotional labor contributes to high burnout rates (Lee & Ok, 2012). Previous interventions, including stress management training and mental health counseling, have shown mixed results (Yu et al., 2020). The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model suggests that resources like counseling can mitigate burnout (Schaufeli, 2017), positioning workplace counseling as a critical area of focus for burnout intervention in hotel management.
Burnout Characteristics:Defined by emotional depletion, common in hospitality roles requiring sustained customer engagement (Kang et al., 2016).
Workplace Counseling Role:Evidence suggests that counseling can provide emotional support and coping mechanisms, although implementation in hospitality remains under-researched (Johnson & Park, 2020).
Research Methodology
This study used a mixed-methods approach:
Study Design:Quantitative surveys assessed burnout levels pre- and post-intervention, and qualitative interviews explored participant experiences.
Participants:Selected hotel management staff across diverse hotels; sample demographic included managers aged 25-45.
Instruments:Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to measure burnout, pre- and post-counseling assessments.
Procedure:Baseline data were collected, followed by bi-weekly counseling sessions. Data were analyzed through SPSS (quantitative) and thematic analysis (qualitative).
Results
Quantitative data indicated a statistically significant reduction in burnout levels post-counseling. The intervention group exhibited lower emotional exhaustion and depersonalization levels than the control group (Pelit et al., 2019). Qualitative feedback from interviews showed participants felt less stressed and more motivated. Themes included “emotional support,” “stress management,” and “improved job satisfaction,” reflecting positive counseling impacts. Comparisons with other industries suggest that while counseling benefits all high-stress sectors, its implementation needs tailoring to the unique demands of hospitality.
Discussion
This study’s findings align with the JD-R Model, showing that workplace counseling can serve as a valuable resource in high-stress environments (Schaufeli, 2017). Counseling reduced burnout indicators such as emotional exhaustion, indicating its viability for hotel managers. However, practical barriers such as scheduling counseling sessions remain. Recommendations for implementation include regular counseling availability and supportive HR policies (Johnson & Park, 2020). Limitations of the study include its short duration and limited generalizability, suggesting a need for further research.
Conclusion
The study confirms the effectiveness of workplace counseling in reducing burnout among hotel management staff. Counseling not only improved well-being but also enhanced job performance and customer satisfaction. Emphasizing mental health in hotel management can foster a healthier work environment, reduce turnover, and improve customer service outcomes.
Practical Implications for Industry Professionals
Hotel managers and HR departments are encouraged to implement regular workplace counseling programs. Action steps include integrating mental health support into organizational culture, offering flexible counseling schedules, and raising mental health awareness to promote a healthier work environment (Salama et al., 2022).
References
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