Burnout among restaurant managers in 2025 continues to reach crisis levels, driven by demanding hours, staffing shortages, and industry-wide instability. Addressing this challenge is vital for the sustainability and success of modern restaurants.
The State of Burnout in 2025
Recent reports show that 76% of restaurant managers experience burnout, and nearly half of frontline managers describe themselves as burned out. Causes include unpredictable scheduling, excessive overtime, and economic pressures that force many managers and staff to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. The high turnover rate—often cited at around 75%—adds further pressure as leadership is constantly forced to train and onboard new staff, making it challenging to foster a stable team culture.
Key Causes of Manager Burnout
Erratic Schedules: Sudden shift changes, lack of advance notice, and weekend rotations leave managers scrambling.
Understaffing: Ongoing labor shortages result in extra hours for managers, increasing fatigue and decreasing job satisfaction.
Multiple Roles: Many managers juggle administrative, operational, and even frontline duties due to cost-cutting or lack of staff.
Work-Life Imbalance: Nearly half of managers report feeling deprived of adequate time to recharge outside of work.
Inadequate Support: A lack of support from higher management in resolving conflicts or adjusting workloads is a frequent complaint.
The Impact
Burnout has both personal and organizational consequences:
Increased mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, among managers.
High turnover rates, with 64% of managers citing burnout as a direct reason staff quit.
Declining guest experience and lowered workplace morale as overworked managers struggle to lead effectively.
Strategies for Prevention and Recovery
Smart Scheduling and Staffing
Use digital tools for equitable, data-driven shift planning.
Build flexibility into time-off and schedule changes to respect managers' personal lives.
Encourage fair workload and rest by preventing chronic overtime.
Technology and Delegation
Invest in software and automation to reduce administrative workload, freeing up managers for strategic leadership.
Delegate operational and training duties to trusted team leads, distributing responsibility.
Training, Support, and Communication
Prioritize regular training sessions for all staff, not just onboarding, to ensure a confident, skilled workforce that needs less micromanagement.
Schedule regular one-on-one check-ins focused on stress levels and career development.
Foster a culture of openness—managers should feel empowered to request help or adjust schedules without stigma.
Well-Being and Mental Health
Partner with mental health professionals or local gyms for health perks and sessions, like in-house yoga.
Recognize signs of burnout early and offer proactive adjustments.
Encourage managers to set boundaries, take real breaks, and maintain outside interests to recharge.
The Way Forward
Combatting burnout in restaurant management in 2025 requires systemic change—not only tools and benefits but a reevaluation of workforce expectations, scheduling norms, and support structures. Restaurants that address these issues proactively will retain talented managers, see lower turnover, and foster both team well-being and superior guest experiences.
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As you navigate your path in this competitive industry, consider partnering with One Haus, a leader in hospitality recruitment. Contact us today to find out how we can connect you with opportunities in these top cities and beyond.
For hospitality businesses partnering with One Haus, you gain access to an extensive network of hospitality professionals, industry expertise, and a personalized approach to recruitment. Let us handle the complexities of hiring so you can focus on delivering exceptional experiences to your guests. Contact One Haus today to discover how we can elevate your team and support your business goals.