The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched mental health guidelines for businesses to support the mental health of their employees.
The aim is to help businesses to prepare for the post-Covid-19 recovery period.
Gloria Guevara, WTTC president and chief executive, said: “After nearly a full year of insecurity and hardship that has come from the Covid-19 pandemic, the time could not be more appropriate to invest in the mental well-being of this sector.
“The travel and tourism sector is one that brings joy to people of all walks of life, therefore it makes perfect sense for the sector to reflect these values within the workplace as well.”
The WTTC said in a statement: The guidelines come at a time when mental health could not be more important. With lockdowns, quarantines, job losses and uncertainty looming larger than ever all against the backdrop of winter, it is crucial that mental health support is given space in the conversations around recovery.”
It cited research from the World Health Organisation (WHO), revealing a $4 return in improved health and productivity, for every $1 investment in improved treatment for common mental disorders.
The guidelines include providing appropriate mental health support, such as access to professional and specialised support, and leave policies that offer equivalent time off for mental health and physical health.
Firms can also develop feedback systems for staff and foster an environment that respects the value of wellbeing.
The new guidelines build on the diversity and inclusion guidelines released by WTTC late last year.
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