As we enter into a post-pandemic world, the unfortunate side of things is that the hospitality sector is facing another challenging time. The price of basic food staples, electricity and petrol have increased significantly in recent months and workers are certainly noticing the effects. According to research made by the Office for National Statistics, around 15% of working adults in the UK report clocking in more hours than usual in their main job.
However, despite all of these surmounting obstacles, there are several practical ways to support employees during the cost-of-living crisis in the UK. Unpredictable times can be a great cause of anxiety and stress, especially in busy, fast-paced environments inside restaurants and pubs. Employers and managers have an important role to play now more than ever before in supporting their employees’ overall well-being.
Continue reading to learn how Shoes For Crews can help you support your employees during times of uncertainty.
5 ways to support employees during the cost-of-living crisis
The hospitality industry, which includes restaurants, pubs, cafés and bars, can be characterised by friendly faces and kind, cheerful greetings. Customers love to feel welcome and happy when going out for a drink or a delicious meal and these feelings transfer back to your employees.
Here are a few ways managers and employers can help support employees during this demanding and uncertain time ahead.
Promote a healthy work environment
Servers and bartenders spend the majority of their shifts on their feet rushing around to fill orders, serve food and drinks and keep customers happy. Employers must implement mandatory breaks, which are standard in the industry. However, the temptation to keep moving and pushing ahead with tasks is present. UK law states that workers should not work more than 48 hours a week (including overtime) unless they choose to. If working for over 6-hours at a time, servers, wait staff and bartenders are entitled to an uninterrupted break of at least 20 minutes.
Another way to promote a healthy work environment is to provide sit/stand chairs or stools for your employees. Standing for long periods of time, especially in a full restaurant or pub, can be hard on the feet. Giving your team members the opportunity to take some weight off their feet will not only provide much-needed relief but help their work shoes last longer.
Show appreciation for employees
Praise and encouragement can go a long way in the workplace. A kind word or an acknowledgement of a job well-done can really boost employee morale. Feelings of appreciation will be paid back and customers will be more drawn to servers who enjoy their work.
In uncertain times, it is important to increase the amount of positive feedback given and make sure your team feels valued and respected. The hospitality sector has faced a lot of challenges in the past two years but to bounce back, it needs more support now than ever. Offer employees the chance to talk about their personal concerns or worries with you or another staff member.