Problems Faced By Restaurant Service Staff In Surat During Pandemic

Abstract

The world witnessed its worst health crisis of recent times when in March 2020 the World Health Organisation declared Covid-19 a global pandemic. In India a national lockdown was declared with only essential services like medical and health services operational. The hospitality industry was the worst hit of all. One of the highest revenues and employment generating industries it was completely brought down to its knees. The objective of this paper is to analyse the personal, work related and family/social problems faced by food and beverage service staff working in Surat during pandemic and to study the coping strategies adopted by them. The data revealed that the employees were in constant fear of getting infected and even infecting their family members. They were also stressed to constantly maintain hygiene and cleanliness standards at their workplace. Coping strategies like staying organised, eating healthy food, following sleep routine, having open communication were adopted by them. The researchers also suggested coping strategies that can be implemented at the personal and organisational levels by the employees and also strategies that can be developed by policy makers which will be helpful for the staff.