A qualitative case study on the evaluation of work-related depression in hotel workers: Kuşadası sample

Work-related depression is a state of inactivity, inability to future, uncertainty about what to do in the future, and giving up trying. Depression both harms the individual and poses an economic risk for the workplace. This study is an interdisciplinary study that aims to examine the problems experienced in the tourism sector in terms of mental health. The study aims to evaluate work-related depression symptoms, risk factors, and protective factors in hotel employees. The study was conducted in 5-star hotels in Kusadasi, one of the major tourism centers in Turkiye. Interviews were conducted with 15 volunteers working in different positions in six hotels determined by a purposive sampling method. The data obtained were analyzed by content analysis. Research findings were categorized under two themes: risk factors and protective factors. The findings suggest that factors such as workplace injustice, stress, and negative relationships (with customers, other employees, and family members) can be risk factors for workplace depression in hotel employees, whereas positive personality traits, social relationships, and economic security are protective factors. In addition, positive and negative future career expectations were found to be workplace-related variables.