We are currently experiencing an energy crisis of a different kind - an industry-wide feeling of exhaustion, anxiety, stress, frustration, and fear. We are running out of energy. There is no doubt that the effects of the pandemic and resulting restrictions will have an adverse effect on people's wellbeing. Scientists call for action for mental health science research with regards to COVID-19. For the hospitality workforce, passionate about and specialized in social interactions, the measures of isolation have been tremendously impactful and to some extend traumatizing. The economic hardship coming with temporary and permanent closures, reduced salaries, lack of job vacancies, and a general unpredictability further exacerbate the situation. Our industry employs large numbers of people from vulnerable societal groups who are already at higher risks of mental health issues. It is about time to put the mental health fallout of COVID-19 on the sustainability agenda and kick start a dialog on the subject.

What measures could be taken to restock on energy and facilitate mental health during hardship? How can human connections be fostered and kept intact between frontline, remote, and furloughed staff? How can different companies come together and support each other? What is and has been your personal emotional journey through the last months?

Marloes Knippenberg
Marloes Knippenberg
CEO of Kerten Hospitality
Catherine Dolton
Catherine Dolton
Chief Sustainability Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Ioannis S. Pantelidis
Ioannis S. Pantelidis
PhD, FIH, CMBE, SFHEA, Head of Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ulster University
Johanna Wagner
Johanna Wagner
Co-Founder of La Belle EDuC, Founder of Upside Up Hotel Asset and Guest Lecture at ESSEC MSc in Hospitality Management (IMHI)
Xenia zu Hohenlohe
Xenia zu Hohenlohe
Partner/Director at the Considerate Group
Peter Varga
Peter Varga
Assistant Professor at EHL Hospitality Business School
Nancy Scanlon
Nancy Scanlon
PhD, Professor at Florida International University
Kathy McGuire
Kathy McGuire
Principal Sustainable Development at 3 Pillar Solutions, LLC
Willy Legrand
Willy Legrand
Professor at IU International University of Applied Sciences Germany