How to Support Employees in a Pub or Restaurant During the Cost of Living Crisis

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.

Supply information on well-being services

Tough times can be hard to manage which is why employees should not feel like they are on their own. During times of crisis, it’s important to let your team know what resources are available to them. Healthy, positive workplaces can foster productivity and help employees reach their full potential. If your establishment can offer more workplace physical health programmes, make sure they are easily accessible with both in-person and remote attendance allowed. Inform and offer training on how to maintain good physical health and avoid injuries by recommending specific exercises, stretches and simple workout routines they can incorporate into both their work and life.

Sign off on leave for mental health days

Physical challenges are a given when working a job that requires standing all day. It is an inevitable part of the job but there is a mental impact to consider as well. An understanding manager should take into consideration the strains the serving and bartending professions pose on one’s mental health.

Pushing through a particularly demanding shift when an employee feels overwhelmed or mentally exhausted can be harmful to their overall health. It is important not to overload already struggling workers and let them know that extra support and help are available. Accommodate requests for mental health days or allow for free time during the work day to disconnect from the intense environment around them.

Reduce costs and mitigate risks by providing high quality footwear

Baristas, servers and bartenders are constantly moving between different types of surfaces from tile to linoleum to carpet. The last thing any manager wants to deal with is an accident at work. Investing in high-quality, slip-resistant work shoes for your team will help mitigate risk and reduce the number of accidents that may occur in your restaurant or bar.

At Shoes For Crews, our mission is to create durable and comfortable work shoes for hospitality workers across a variety of different roles. Our chief aim is to help reduce the risk of trip and slip hazards while ensuring your employees can get through their days with minimal pain and strain. 

It is important to be aware of how the cost-of-living crisis is affecting the hospitality industry in the UK. Employers and managers can play a key role in reducing stress and uncertainty for employees during this time, including taking care of their feet with high quality work shoes. If you would like more information on specific styles fit for wait staff or bartenders, please get in touch with us. We would be delighted to help!