Category: Financial Wellbeing

Whether you run a bar, pub, cafe or restaurant, it’s the people who create the atmosphere. Which is why staff wellbeing is more vital to hospitality businesses than most other sectors – happier staff equals better quality interactions with customers (which means they’re more likely to return).

But money worries are starting to have a bigger impact on hospitality staff. Recently, Wagestream’s The State of Financial Wellbeing: Hospitality Outlook found that almost 9 in 10 hospitality workers had worsening mental health due to money worries. These pressures make it harder for staff to focus and bring their best selves to work, which can have a wider impact on a business.

With venues facing a host of other pressures, it’s more important than ever to prioritise staff wellbeing and make sure you attract and retain the best people. The good news is that relatively simple measures can go a long way in supporting your staff’s financial wellbeing – and this can have a big impact on morale, retention and performance.

Giving your staff money confidence

As much as our bartenders and waiters are experts in making conversation, money can be a tricky thing to talk about. There’s a stigma attached to financial difficulty, and unhelpful labels such as ‘bad with money’ can prevent people from trying to improve their situation. As a hospitality manager, there are things you can do to give your staff the confidence they need to manage their money and feel better about their finances.

Create a positive culture

The report found that over a quarter of hospitality workers wouldn’t tell their employer about money issues due to a lack of trust, a belief their employer doesn’t care, or fears of discrimination or even dismissal. So it’s vital to alleviate these fears by avoiding judgemental language and stereotypes. Staff may be more comfortable talking to peers rather than bosses, so consider if any of your staff could be a ‘money champion’. These supportive peers have positive conversations with fellow workers and direct them towards further support. 

Provide incentives to save

Hospitality workers are less likely to have savings than those in other sectors, so having a scheme in place to support this can go a long way, particularly if staff are unfamiliar with saving and need some help to get started.

Signpost support

Make sure staff know about the support available, including free financial and debt advice, guidance, and helplines. There are also charities and organisations that can run financial workshops for your staff. 

Show you care

According to UK Hospitality, 73% of workers in the industry say they’d be drawn to an employer that prioritises financial wellbeing. So having these measures in place and genuinely caring for your staff will grow your reputation as a responsible employer. This helps you attract and retain talent and boosts staff performance. 

A simple, low-cost and powerful way to incentivise your staff and invest in their wellbeing is to use TiPJAR to manage their tips. 

TiPJAR x Tabology

TiPJAR is the leading tip and tronc management platform, and recently partnered with Tabology to integrate with our EPOS. TiPJAR ensures your staff keep every penny of the tips they earn, and pays them within a week. 

TiPJAR works by collecting sales data from Tabology. It tells you, the operator, how much you’ve taken in tips. You send the funds to TiPJAR, who distributes them based on your tronc scheme, which uses a point system to determine the rate for each role. You do not need to pay NICs on any tips managed through TiPJAR.

What’s more, managers don’t need to lift a finger during this process. The hours you previously spent managing and distributing tips can now be spent on more important tasks, such as supporting your staff and improving your venue. 

This simple and transparent process builds trust and motivates staff to deliver outstanding service, so customers have a better experience. But TiPJAR’s financial wellbeing support goes further than that.

Better financial wellbeing with TiPJAR

TiPJAR’s Spend and Save scheme puts staff in control of their tips and encourages them to develop good financial habits.

With the Save aspect, employees can hit pause on their tip payouts. Instead of getting them straight away, they can add them to a secure savings pot that pays interest.

The Spend part: staff get a TiPJAR card, and when they use it to spend their hard-earned tips, it pays cashback at thousands of high-street venues.

Take tips easily with Tabology EPOS

With our EPOS, your venue can take tips in three different ways.

The simplest way is adding a tip on the EPOS. Simply press the ‘tip’ button and enter a value when cashing off an order (Tap to Pay on our iPhone-based Mini EPOS also asks customers if they’d like to add a tip).

You can also convert an overpayment to a tip, which is great when a customer rounds up a payment and tells you to keep the change – the ‘convert to tip’ button will automatically show whenever there’s an overpayment.

Finally, you can also configure your online ordering to enable tips. A slider will appear on the online ordering payment page that will allow customers to add a tip.

However you collect tips, it all gets sent to TiPJAR automatically, and every penny goes to staff (with no need for NIC contributions). 

Can TiPJAR improve your staff’s wellbeing?

If you’re already using Tabology EPOS, it could be very straightforward to get started, depending on your current setup. Get in touch with our support team to find out.

If you’re not currently using Tabology’s EPOS at your venue, then now’s a great time to see how it can transform all of your operations. While your staff will love our TipJAR integration, they’ll be even more amazed by how easy the EPOS is to use. And with all the management tools you need in a single platform, your job as an operator becomes easier too. Speak to our consultants to explore the system and try it out for free.

What is UKHospitality and what do we do?

UKHospitality is the leading trade body for hospitality, representing every corner of the sector. We represent more than 130,000 venues, from pubs, bars and restaurants to hotels, indoor leisure and contract catering.

Our members benefit from our dedicated campaigning to empower an environment for hospitality to thrive, in addition to expert insight, specialist support helplines and guidance on the key issues facing hospitality businesses.

A people business

Without the fantastic people working in hospitality – all 3.5 million of them – we simply wouldn’t be able to do what we do best. Whether it’s the front of house teams, chefs in the kitchen or numerous people behind the scenes, the experiences that hospitality is known for is dependant on our teams.

That’s where our Workforce Strategy comes in, with five key focuses for our work in this area. Those are skills and training, reputation of the sector, hospitality workforce infrastructure, working with devolved governments, and working lives.

That last section, in particular, is crucial because we want to enhance the working lives of people in hospitality and help their financial wellness. That includes making efforts to raise pay and improve pay structures, offer better-funded training and career progression, and working with governments on tax and welfare reforms to reflect living costs. 

Keeping our people happy and fulfilled is such a focus for the sector. We know that everyone is working hard to challenge the stereotype of working in hospitality and we all want to show what a fun, vibrant and fulfilling place it is to work.

Valuing your wellbeing

Employee wellbeing is critical to that, and we know that progression and development can be a critical way of achieving that, as well as driving a healthier financial wellbeing too.

Hospitality is unique in being able to offer opportunities for everyone and paths to progress rapidly up the career ladder. The phrase ‘from bar to board in a matter of years’ is well known across hospitality, because it’s true.

Businesses are passionate about giving their people the skills and opportunities they need to progress, while also supporting their physical and mental wellbeing too. That’s evidenced by numerous industry initiatives like the Hospitality Wellbeing and Development Promise and the Hotelier’s Charter, both of which have hundreds of signatories making cast-iron commitments in these areas.

We’ve backed changes from the Government too that will help put more money in the pockets of hospitality staff, like recent changes to tipping. New laws have been in effect for almost a year now that ensures every penny left in tips or service charge go directly to staff, to support their financial wellbeing and fairly reward them for their efforts.

What else is out there?

We want to make sure that our teams know what support is out there. One of the best go-to resources is the CareerScope hospitality support hub, which is designed specifically to support people in hospitality.

The hub offers resources and signposting for people to receive financial advice, develop skills through training and safeguard mental wellbeing, to name a few.

There are also fantastic charities out there, like the Licensed Trade Charity and Hospitality Action. Please do reach out to them if you need help or expert advice.

Ever felt like saving is harder than it should be?

You’re not alone, and that’s exactly why we built Sync.

We believe saving shouldn’t be an extra chore.

For too long, putting money aside has felt like something you should do, but never quite get around to, especially when your income goes up and down. One month is busy, the next is quiet… and by the time your tips or wages hit your account, they’re already spoken for.

We think there’s a better way. One that works in the background, so you don’t have to think about it.

Sync automates savings, making tips go further.

Sync is a simple but powerful tool that lives in TiPJAR. We take a percentage of tips automatically, before they’re transferred to an employee’s salaried account, and pops that money into a safe, interest-earning savings pot.

No separate apps or remembering to transfer money on payday. It’s automatic, flexible and can be tweaked at anytime.

Employees choose how much of their tips you want to save. They can pause it, change it, or dip in and out whenever they need to. The idea is simple: if it’s easy to start, it’s easier to stick with.

💡 And it’s not just tips – Sync works with regular paychecks, too.

Our payroll savings product is actually our core product, letting employees save straight from their wages It’s the same idea: set an amount, sit back, and let it build up in the background. So whether it’s hourly shifts, tips, or both, we cover it.

Money stress is real, and having a small safety net makes a huge difference.

Most people want to save. They just don’t have the right tools. We built Sync to slot right in alongside your pay and tips with no complicated forms or extra faff. Effortless savings that build up quietly over time.

Who we are

Only A Pavement Away is the national charity that supports people facing homelessness, to rebuild their lives through employment opportunities in hospitality.

OUR PURPOSE: To support people looking to rebuild their lives by providing employment opportunities, financial support and tailored learning & development.

OUR MISSION: To act as a vital bridge between forward thinking employers in the hospitality industry and charity referral partners to place people in employment.

OUR VISION: To reach 1,000 members in employment by the end of 2025, and to support 5,000 individuals each year by 2030.

At Only A Pavement Away, we are committed to supporting people to find stable employment that sets them up for a long-term career and full reintegration into society. As part of this, we help our members overcome barriers to employment through our grants programme, which is available to provide financial relief when it’s needed. This includes assistance with work commute expenses, food, bills, and accommodation during times of hardship. We want to ensure that our members have the help and support needed to sustain employment!

At the heart of long-term employment and stability is financial wellbeing – the ability to feel secure and in control of your money. For many of our members, this means not just earning a wage, but building the confidence to manage everyday expenses, plan for the future, and navigate unexpected costs. Financial wellbeing reduces stress, supports mental health, and empowers people to make informed decisions about their lives. Through our grants programme, access to financial support services, and ongoing employer partnerships, we’re helping individuals strengthen their financial resilience and take meaningful steps towards lasting independence.

Within the programme, we offer 4 types of grants:

Interview Grant

To enable our candidates to attend an interview when their referral charity is unable to support

Accommodation Grant

To support our members to secure stable accommodation and/or purchase essential white goods

Kickstart Grant

To support our members with expenses in their first month of employment before they receive their first pay slip

Hardship Grant

Financial support in exceptional circumstances to ensure members can remain in employment

Alongside our grants programme, we also offer access to the CiC Wellbeing Programme for all our members, from the day they start employment.

CiC Wellbeing is an employee assistance programme (EAP) which offers access to mental health support, alongside a 24/7 confidential advice line. You can also access legal, financial, and family support, along with mediation services.

Get in touch

Visit www.onlyapavementaway.co.uk for more information, and connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. 

At KAM, we’re in the business of listening—really listening—to the people working across the hospitality industry. From the pub floor to the kitchen pass to head office, we make it our mission to understand what truly matters to hospitality employees, and how their day-to-day realities affect both personal wellbeing and business performance. That’s how we can help operators turn real insight into meaningful action.

Our latest research, created in partnership with the Licensed Trade Charity (LTC), takes a deep dive into the current state of employee wellbeing at work across pubs, bars, and breweries in the UK. And while we explored many different areas—mental health, physical wellness, emotional support—one theme stood out loud and clear: a feeling of positive financial wellbeing is the foundation that everything else rests on. If we’re not getting that right, we’re building on sand.

So how are hospitality teams really doing?

In short? They’re struggling a bit. A significant 72% of hospitality employees said they’ve experienced personal challenges over the past 12 months. Perhaps unsurprisingly, financial worries are top of that list—alongside mental health issues, housing pressures, and family difficulties. It paints a picture of a workforce under strain, both inside and outside of the workplace.

And this isn’t just affecting the most junior roles. As one Hospitality People Director told us, “Financial wellbeing is definitely coming to the forefront… employees approach the business for short-term loans, travel cards or because their car’s broken and they can’t afford to fix it. And that’s not just entry-level roles; it’s happening in more senior positions too.”

There’s a clear connection between financial stress and declining mental wellbeing—and employers are beginning to feel the impact in the workplace. “The biggest thing that gets raised to us is mental health. Most of it not driven by work, actually, most of it driven by life, but that obviously impacts them at work and then we get the fallout of that in the workplace. It definitely affects productivity.”

Poor financial wellbeing is costing hospitality more than we realise

Let’s talk numbers. Mental wellbeing challenges played a part in 48% of all sick days in our sector last year. That’s nearly 1.5 million days lost, directly costing businesses over £146 million annually in wages alone. When you add in indirect costs—lost productivity, missed shifts, disruption to teams—the figure is even higher.

Now add the phenomenon of presenteeism into the mix: employees turning up for work, but operating at reduced capacity due to financial or emotional strain. Based on national estimates, that could equate to an eye-watering 45.7 million additional lost workdays in hospitality every year. And yet, most People Directors or Hospitality business owners we spoke to as part of the research aren’t currently tracking the impact of either sick days or presenteeism.

And we haven’t even touched on recruitment and retention. Operators are already facing staffing shortages, and unstable financial wellbeing only accelerates churn. One operator explained, “If we’ve got a GM or a kitchen manager that’s having a mental health struggle, it impacts on the team… We do find that those sites will have higher turnover issues. The team’s not as stable. It has a knock-on effect on the customer experience so likely lost revenue.”

The current support isn’t always landing

To their credit, many employers are trying to support their teams. Around 55% of employees say their workplace offers an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). However, fewer than half (49%) of employees say they’ve ever used it. And only 27% report feeling “very satisfied” with the level of support available for to support their financial wellbeing.

Yet, most businesses don’t currently track EAP usage or assess its return on investment—despite the fact that a well-run EAP can offer £5.20 back for every £1 invested, thanks to reduced absenteeism alone. On top of that, one in three employees has never been asked for feedback on their wellbeing needs. It’s a simple step that could make a huge difference.

While some hospitality businesses are ahead of the curve—investing in their people and prioritising team wellbeing through transparent practices like compliant tipping or encouraging saving habits—these approaches are still far from standard across the sector. Tools like Save from TiPJAR, which help team members build better financial habits, are beginning to gain traction but are not yet the norm.

The message from our teams is clear: they’re open to more support, but it has to be relevant, accessible, and well-communicated. We heard repeated calls for financial literacy training, better signposting to resources like LTC, and the integration of wellbeing into induction and onboarding processes.

What can operators do next?

If you’re a hospitality People Director looking to create real change, here’s where to start:

First, talk to your teams. Ask them what’s working and what isn’t. Regular feedback loops build trust—and help you shape support that actually hits the mark.

Second, review your existing financial wellbeing offering. Is it clearly communicated? Is it practical? Is it being used? If not, what’s getting in the way?

Third, consider partnerships. Organisations like the Licensed Trade Charity offer specialist support, financial guidance, and emergency assistance that could be life-changing for your teams. In fact, more than 75% of hospitality employees say they’d be likely to contact LTC for help if they needed it.

And finally, measure what matters. If you’re not tracking the cost of poor employee wellbeing—from sick days to turnover—you’re missing the full picture.

In summary…

Financial wellbeing isn’t just about pay. It’s about stability, dignity, and the ability to plan for the future. When hospitality workers are supported in this way, they’re healthier, more focused, and more loyal. And that translates into better customer service, lower costs, and stronger business performance.

Or, as one employer said so perfectly: “If our employee wellbeing was better, we’d be better at serving our customers.”

Ready to take action?

Visit licensedtradecharity.org.uk to access free tools, guidance, and support for your teams. Or get in touch with KAM (hello@kaminsight.com) to chat about how you can use data and insight to build a happier, more resilient workforce.

If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that working in hospitality is a rollercoaster – fast paced, rewarding, and sometimes (more days than we’d like to admit 👀).. a bit chaotic. We pour our hearts into making guests happy, running smooth shifts, and keeping the energy buzzing. But here’s the thing, behind every great team is a crew that feels happy, supported, and financially secure!

That’s where the topic of financial wellbeing steps up as a total game changer for the hospitality industry. And honestly? It’s one of the most important pieces of the puzzle that too many of us either overlook or in some cases, totally ignore.

Why? Because realistically, money talk can feel scary. No one really teaches us this stuff, and it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one who doesn’t get it. We put it off, hope for the best, and keep powering through.. but that stress builds, and it shows up – in our sleep, our shifts, and our self esteem.

So, what is Candid, and why do we care so much?

At Candid Hospitality, we’re not your typical job board. We’re flipping the script on how people find their next hospitality career move – no CVs, no cover letters, no endless ghosting. Just one short, personality-packed profile that skips the bias and gets real humans seen for who they really are. No name, no photo, no judgement.. just skills, vibe, and potential, matched with brands that genuinely care.

We’re a platform built for hospitality workers, by people who get hospitality. Where you can apply anonymously, get noticed for who you really are, and have real conversations with decision makers. Think of us as your personal hype team in the background, connecting brilliant people with brilliant venues.

But we’re more than a job matchmaker, we’re building a community. One that supports your goals, celebrates your wins, and stands up for what matters.. like your financial wellbeing.

Because let’s be real – hospitality teams deal with a lot. Unpredictable hours. Seasonal shifts. Inconsistent tips. Rising living costs. It’s no wonder that money stress can creep in. So, when it does, it affects everything: energy levels, confidence, mental health, and team spirit.

We believe that being financially confident shouldn’t be a luxury or a taboo topic, it should be the standard. Because when we open up, learn together, and support each other? That’s when the whole industry gets stronger and we all end up winning!

The financial wellbeing impact: Why does it matter?

When your team feels confident about their finances, the whole venue feels it. Stress goes down, focus goes up, and suddenly, your team is buzzing – not just with energy but with loyalty and happiness.

Money stress doesn’t just affect your bank balance, it’s linked to mental health, physical wellbeing, and yes, even how you show up at work.

So, what can we really do?

We’re all about practical support and education. That’s why we love initiatives like Spend & Save by TiPJAR, tools that help hospitality pros manage their tips, save smarter, and feel more in control.

We’re pushing hard to make financial education part of the conversation, because knowledge is power. It’s about giving teams the resources to plan, save, and thrive.. even when shifts get crazy.

My top tips for supporting your team’s financial health:

1. Keep it simple and practical. Give teams tools they can actually use like budgeting apps or savings plans tailored for hospitality’s unique pay structures.

2. Be open and supportive. Normalise conversations about money. It’s nothing to be shy about! The more we talk, the more we can help.

3. Celebrate wins. Even small financial goals reached should be cheered – it boosts morale and confidence.

4. Partner with platforms that get hospitality. Use tools designed with hospitality workers in mind, like TiPJAR’s Spend & Save or communities like Candid where people can find support beyond the paycheck.

Ready to take action?

If you’re a hospitality manager, start the conversation today. Check out resources, ask questions, and explore financial wellbeing tools that fit your team’s needs.

At Candid, we’re all about making the hospitality industry a place where people feel valued in every way. Because when we support our teams financially, we’re investing in happier venues, stronger communities, and a brighter future.

Like the sound of what we’re creating?

We’d love you to be part of it: https://candidhospitality.co.uk/sign-up/

Izzy 💛 Head of Community @ Candid Hospitality

Who we are, and why we’re here for you

At LTC, we support people in licensed hospitality to live well, stay resilient and handle life’s ups and downs with confidence.

Whether you’re working in a pub, bar or brewery or have done in the past our support is free, confidential and tailored to you. Last year, we helped over 40,000 people with everything from financial guidance and grants to mental health support and practical advice.

Why money confidence makes a big difference

Hospitality is a fast moving, people focused industry and that brings its own pressures. Shifts can change, tips can vary, and costs can build up. It’s not always easy to plan ahead or feel in control.

We believe financial wellbeing isn’t just about money, it’s about confidence, clarity, and having the tools to move forward. When people feel more secure financially, it can lift stress and create more space for wellbeing at work and at home.

Three Simple Ways to Feel More in Control

1. Start small, stick with it;

You don’t need to overhaul everything. Start with one step like checking your spending or setting aside £1 per shift. Building a habit matters more than being perfect.

2. Know what’s out there for you;

There’s help available and you don’t have to wait for a crisis. Whether you’re trying to budget, looking for benefits advice, or facing something bigger, it’s okay to ask for support.

3. Get the full picture;

Make the most of free tools like nudge’s free Financial Health Check. It takes just a few minutes and gives you personalised tips to build your knowledge and confidence.

What you can access with LTC

We provide a wide range of services that can help you manage money and feel more financially secure including;

• 24/7 Helpline – speak to someone anytime, anywhere on 0808 801 0550
• One-off financial grants for rent arrears, bills and family emergencies
• Budgeting and debt advice that is practical, impartial and focused on what matters to you through the ‘nudge’ financial wellbeing platform
• LTC Wellbeing Platform with free access to over 6,500 tools including articles, videos, and personal development resources
• ‘nudge’ Financial Health Check to help you understand your financial strengths and what to do next
• Housing and employment advice tailored to the realities of life in hospitality

We’re ready when you are

If you’d like to speak to someone, explore our tools, or see how we can help

📞 Call our free helpline: 0808 801 0550

🌐 Visit: licensedtradecharity.org.uk

No judgement. No pressure. Just support when you need it