Study: Hospitality workers' well-being suffered greatly during worst of pandemic A new study from Washington State University Vancouver shows just how bad the pandemic has been for the well-being of hospitality workers. Author: Tim Gordon Updated: 6:18 PM PDT July 15, 2021 VANCOUVER, Wash. — As we get back out to eat or travel, we know many people in the service industry have been through a lot. A new study from Washington State University Vancouver looked at just how bad it was for hospitality workers during the height of the pandemic shutdown. Researchers surveyed about 600 laid off or fully furloughed employees that didn't earn income in April 2020. They found that 75% perceived the pandemic as a "severe impact event," causing panic and possible symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).