Lack of Access to Health & Wellness for Restaurant Workers

The latest research shows...

  • 75% of employees in the restaurant industry lack access to Employer-sponsored health insurance
  • 73% of uninsured working adults say they were uninsured due to the high cost of traditional coverage
  • 90% of restaurant workers in the US do not have access to paid sick leave, forcing them to work while sick, potentially spreading illnesses and not seeking medical care when they need it.
  • 43% of restaurant workers reported having to work while sick, due to lack of paid sick leave or fear of losing their job. This not only puts them in danger, but also their co-workers and customers.
  • The average rate for employer-sponsored health insurance for annual premiums is over $7,000 for single coverage and $20,000 for family coverage.

How Can Epiq MD Help?

  • Studies demonstrate that wellness programs can generate substantial ROI, with ​an average return of 327% on each dollar invested
  • 90% of U.S. workers said their job is more fulfilling when their employer provides ​wellness benefits.
  • With virtual appointments, employees can access medical care and mental ​health services from the convenience of their workplace or homes, reducing ​absenteeism and increasing productivity.
  • Businesses that provide telemedicine benefits have found that telemedicine ​programs can save Employers $6 for every $1 spent.
Portrait of Waiter Serving Food to Customers in Busy Bar Restaur
Restaurant Manager with Chef in Kitchen
Happy Young Friends Loving Couple Chefs on the Kitchen Cooking.
Happy waitress working at a restaurant

The State of Mental Health for Restaurant Workers

The latest research shows...

  • Workers in the food service industry are among the highest in rates of of substance abuse
  • Workers in the food service industry are the third most at risk for heavy alcohol use
  • 80% of restaurant workers reported experiencing job-related stress
  • 60% of restaurant workers reported suffering from anxiety or depression
  • Chefs and head cooks had a higher risk of suicide compared to other occupations
  • 75% of chefs and restaurants workers report being over worked on a weekly basis

How Can Epiq MD Help?

  • 90% of U.S. workers said their job is more fulfilling when their employer provides wellness benefits.


  • 53% of workers said they would be more likely to stay with their current employer if they offered a comprehensive wellness program.


Epiq MD can help Employers improve employee well-being, increase productivity, save costs, and boost employee retention rates.

Sources: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Restaurant ​Opportunities Centers United, Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, ​National Restaurant Association, Society for Human Resource Management

Substance Abuse In The Restaurant Industry

  • Substance abuse costs the restaurant industry an estimated $25 billion in lost productivity and sales annually.
  • The restaurant industry has the highest rate of substance abuse among all industries.
  • 15% of restaurant workers reported heavy alcohol use in the past month, compared to 9% of workers in other industries.
  • 19.1% of restaurant workers reported using illicit drugs in the past month, compared to 12.9% of workers in other industries.

What Epiq MD Can Do

  • Early Intervention: Epiq MD can provide a confidential and convenient way for restaurant employees struggling with substance abuse to get help early on before their problems escalate.


  • Access to Treatment: Many restaurant employees do not have access to treatment for substance abuse due to lack of insurance or fear of stigma. Epiq MD can provide access to evidence-based treatment, such as counseling and therapy treatment, regardless of the employee's location or insurance status.


  • Support for Recovery: Wellness programs can provide ongoing support and resources for employees in recovery, such as stress management techniques and healthy lifestyle choices.