Tips to help chefs and baristas balance physical and mental well-being
Suggestions for food service professionals operating in fast-paced environments while leading and overseeing teams.
Stark statistics have found that one in two hospitality professionals have searched harmful content whilst at work, according to a report by UK-based suicide prevention charity, R;pple. The survey also explored the unknown mental health crisis affecting the industry after speaking to chefs, front of house and waiting staff across the UK.
From the demanding long hours to working in high-pressured environments and managing teams, these are just some of the tough issues that chefs, baristas and hospitality managers face daily.
Here are a number of self-help tips to help culinary and beverage professionals and their teams – in and out of the workplace.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
1. Keep to a regular daily routine
Having a set schedule may help you be more productive and maintain a consistent rhythm to your day or week. You may not be able to fit everything into your day, but sticking to a routine can help give you focus and purpose.
2. Stay active
Keep up any regular exercise that you enjoy or do something to help you relax outside of the kitchen or café – perhaps a run, yoga or fitness class first thing in the morning or after kitchen closing hours. Also, aim to eat and hydrate well during your working day rather than rushing and missing breaks. If you have a health issue, go to the doctor or medical professional to get the support you need.
3. Find other activities
When you can, try to find time for you that you can realistically fit into your schedule – take up a new hobby or something you love, learn something new, or support a charity or local community group to stay connected and engaged with others.
4. Focus on the things you can control
Try to channel your energy on things you actually can control. Upskill yourself or expand your networks by looking online for relevant groups or reconnect with colleagues, family and friends. Silence your phone or turn off notifications from social media can also help you to switch off. Fit in some quiet ‘me time’ to take stock – it can be as simple as going outside for a walk, reading a book or doing a wordsearch – even for five or ten minutes, some downtime can make a difference.
5. Know when to get more help
Share your feelings with others – whether a family member, friend or colleague. If you’re experiencing a persistent low mood or feeling stressed or overwhelmed, seek professional support. You are not alone and there are many organizations worldwide that can help, which you can search for online. For example:
The Burnt Chef Project is a global non-profit charity, supported by Nestlé Professional, which aims to provide education, support and resources to tackle mental health stigma in the hospitality industry. https://www.theburntchefproject.com/supportservice
Whether you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, there are also other helplines and support groups that can offer expert advice, go to: https://www.theburntchefproject.com/helpandsupport
TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEAM
1. Start a conversation
“Are you ok?” – check in with your employees, which you can drop into a conversation or even through a text message to see how they are. No need for a formal discussion or meeting, keep it casual, be patient and listen. Reassure your employees by reaffirming how they feel, like: “sorry you’re having a tough time,” and “we can all feel low sometimes”. If they don’t want to talk now, don’t force it and try another time. Be ready to support them by being open, encouraging and remind them that there are people who care and are here to help.
2. Value your staff
It’s always nice to get a thank you or praise from your customers – and this is just as important for your own team. Team morale is key to not only build loyalty, but to instill a healthy workplace for everyone. Empower, thank and encourage your employees by helping them to improve and develop their skills through training programs, reward teamwork with extra time off if possible, or give them a boost by simply telling them that they play a valuable part in the success of your restaurant or café.
3. Offer guidance
Chefs and baristas are not counsellors or mental health well-being experts, so you don’t need to have all the answers or resolutions straight away. If you can’t help or don’t know how to support your employees, you can provide guidance by referring them to organizations that can provide services to help them back on their feet or as an opportunity to talk to someone outside of the family or workspace.
For example:
The Burnt Chef Project worldwide
Hospitality Action in the UK
Reach Out in Australia
Sources:
The Burnt Chef Project: https://www.theburntchefproject.com
R;pple Suicide Prevention: https://www.ripplesuicideprevention.com
Only Chefs : https://onlychefs.co.uk/chef-self-care-tips/
Hospitality Action UK: https://www.hospitalityaction.org.uk