The foodservice industry has long been defined by demanding schedules, physically and emotionally taxing work, and a culture that often leaves little room for rest or recovery. Long hours, unpredictable shifts, limited time off, and the challenge of maintaining a healthy work-life balance have contributed to an environment where stress and burnout can thrive. While conversations around mental health have gained momentum in recent years, the need to support employee well-being has never been more urgent.
Research conducted by The Burnt Chef Project revealed that 84 per cent of hospitality professionals have experienced mental health issues during their careers, and 46 per cent did not feel comfortable talking about them.
Amid continuing concerns about hospitality employee well-being, organizations like The Burnt Chef Project are championing mental health awareness and working to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health across the hospitality industry. Founded in 2019 by Kris Hall, the global non-profit provides accessible education, free mental health resources, and 24/7 confidential support for foodservice and hospitality professionals worldwide.
How does The Burnt Chef Project help?
The Burnt Chef Project operates across 184 countries to provide practical tools and a compassionate community, with:
- 24/7 crisis support: A confidential, volunteer-driven support lifeline for hospitality employees.
- Education and training: Free e-learning modules, workshops, and certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses covering topics like sleep health, stress reduction, and nutrition.
- Workplace consulting: Programs designed to embed sustainable wellbeing practices and cultures into restaurants and hotels.
- Advocacy: Podcasts and campaigns to break the silence surrounding mental health.
The Burnt Chef Project’s impact
The Burnt Chef Project recently released its 2025 Annual Impact Report, providing a snapshot of its ongoing efforts and the lives it continues to touch. “In 2019, I set out to open conversations about mental health, hoping to reach just one person,” said Kris Hall. “Each statistic in this report represents a real person. A chef. A student. A manager. A server – chose not to struggle alone and be part of real change.”
Here are some of the report’s findings from 2025:
- 2,938 support conversations were held via the free text service
- 689 individuals across four continents accessed the structured therapy and professional health support
- More than 1200 hospitality professionals, including 70 colleges, took part in the wellbeing and mental health workshops
- 21, 238 modules were completed – for free – via The Burnt Chef Academy
- The ambassador network has grown to over 300 and includes a vast
“Behind every statistic, is a human story.”
By providing education, training, research, and accessible mental health support, The Burnt Chef Project is helping to reshape hospitality culture. Its work empowers employers to create healthier workplaces while giving industry professionals the tools and resources they need to thrive – ultimately improving employee well-being, strengthening retention, and building a more resilient foodservice industry.
For access to The Burnt Chef resources, for more information, or to make a donation, please visit https://www.theburntchefproject.com/.
Photo credit: Chef Imrun Texeira
