Introduction

Statement of the Purpose

Mental health has been an ongoing issue in the restaurant industry, and the additional stress of working through the Covid-19 pandemic has made the situation more severe. Currently, there is a lack of understanding and research about the toll of Covid-19 on mental health—especially as it concerns restaurant industry workers. Some studies have reported that up to 85% of restaurant employees suffer from depression and up to 73% suffer from anxiety (Kinsman, 2016, paras. 43–44). It is vital that the causes and effects of work-related stress in the restaurant industry are understood.

The topic of this research is mental health. More specifically, how has working at a restaurant during Covid-19 had distinguishing effects on individuals’ mental health? Who is likely to be affected? Is there a specific position related to higher stress? And what is being done to help moderate the effects of stress?