Interventions to promote hotel workers' health: A scoping review

Abstract

Background The hospitality industry employs millions of workers and is a key contributor to the US economy. Despite being essential drivers in the industry's success, hotel workers, particularly hotel housekeepers, are exposed to occupational hazards and experience disproportionate rates of injuries and chronic health conditions. Thus there is a significant need for health promotion efforts directed toward these workers. However, little is known about existing interventions targeting their health. Methods We conducted a scoping review to identify and appraise workplace health promotion interventions targeting hotel employees. We performed a scoping review following the framework outlined by Arksey and O'Malley (2005). Our literature search process was recorded using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses. Basic study information was compiled into a matrix table. Study quality was assessed using the template for intervention description and replication. Results Eight unique interventions were identified, occurring at over 30 hotels with participants ranging between 16 and 1207 employees. Though many of the reported health outcomes were not statistically significant, studies reported results with clinical implications, including decreased numbers of injury claims, reduced anxiety, improvements in cardiovascular disease risk indicators, such as body mass index, and increased knowledge among participants. Conclusions This is the first review to interrogate the literature on existing workplace interventions targeting the health of hotel workers. While some studies found significant improvements in health outcomes, few conducted rigorous program evaluation. The results highlight the need for more and effective interventions targeting these at‐risk workers.

Occupational Health and Safety of Immigrant Hotel Housekeepers

“…The accommodation sector relies heavily on millions of hotel workers, and this workforce contributes significantly to the hospitality industry as well as to the U.S. economy (Adams et al, 2020). Despite this, this study provides empirical evidence of poor working conditions, including occupational hazards and lack of appropriate equipment and hazard controls.…”

“…Furthermore, managers should consider offering stress management programs to equip employees with skills (e.g., breathing and muscle relaxation exercises) to cope with stress (Biding & Nordin, 2014). Other intervention programs such as health education training, health screening, and using mattress lifting tools have been linked to reduced stress and anxiety, improved cardiovascular disease risk, and reduced body mass index (Adams et al, 2020).…”

Work Challenges and Health of Immigrant Hotel Housekeepers: Part 2

“…Although the hospitality and tourism workforce contributes heavily to the U.S. and global economies (Adams et al, 2020), there is a disconnect between the work conditions and managerial treatment of hotel housekeepers in safeguarding their occupational health. Hotel housekeepers occupy one of the lowest ranks on hotel organizational charts, yet their jobs are essential in providing clean guestrooms.…”

Workplace‐related determinants of mental health in food and bar workers in Western, high‐income countries: A systematic review

“…Psychosocial health and wellbeing research across other industries suggest that organizational-level, workplace-based interventions are effective for supporting mental health, particularly when implemented as part of broader organizational efforts to support health and wellbeing. [117][118][119][120][121][122] Noting that there is a complementarity between occupational health and safety regulations and human right legislations and informed by previous programs implemented in Canada and recently in Australia, [123][124][125] organization-level interventions could be developed for food and bar workplaces, focussing on the positive duty of workplaces to take proactive, preventative measures to protect staff wellbeing. Overarching, integrated interventions could be implemented at an organizational level, incorporating complementary strategies across three domains: preventing harms, promoting positive aspects of work and responding to problems.…”