Long hours, hectic shifts, sporadic schedule changes, and the pressure to deliver the very best service day in and day out, hardly qualify for a stress-free work environment. Yet, more often than not, this is just a typical week of a regular restaurant employee.
Not all restaurants address these challenges the same way however, and to absolutely no surprise, those that prioritise their staff’s mental health win big. At the end of the day, it isn’t just about reducing stress; it’s about fostering a positive, supportive culture that empowers staff to thrive both personally and professionally, all while retaining your best employees. Here’s how you can start guarding your staff’s wellbeing starting today:
1. It’s time to talk
Mental health topics aren’t always easy to address, but silence won’t make it easier. Make a habit of encouraging open conversations to slowly eradicate the stigma surrounding this topic. From bringing up mental health as part of informal conversations with your staff, to more formalised bi-weekly, or monthly check-ins to raise most pressing concerns, can have an immediate positive impact on employee wellbeing.
2. Guard the schedule
If there’s one thing that you as an employer can do to directly improve the mental health of your employees – it’s to take full accountability for the role that their schedule plays on their wellbeing. Staff members often work long hours with limited breaks, and the inconsistency of shift work can lead to sleep deprivation and chronic fatigue. Implement fair scheduling practices to balance out the workload, rotate shifts and don’t forget to offer some flexibility to help the employees’ work-life balance.
3. Provide mental health resources
In addition to fostering open communication, provide your team with access to mental health resources. This could include offering Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), connecting them with local mental health services, or simply creating an internal wellness program that promotes mindfulness, stress management, and relaxation techniques. Having these resources readily available shows your commitment to your employees’ mental health and helps them access support when needed.
4. Yes to breaks!
Encouraging your staff to take time off to recharge is essential. Whether it’s ensuring they take regular breaks during shifts or offering paid time off to recover from burnout, providing opportunities for rest is key to maintaining long-term mental health. Set an example by promoting a healthy work-life balance from the top down, showing your team that it’s not only okay – but absolutely necessary – to take care of themselves.
5. Promote positive work culture
Last but not least, fostering a positive work culture goes a long way in supporting mental health. Recognise and reward hard work, celebrate team successes, and encourage a collaborative atmosphere where employees feel valued and respected. Simple acts like showing appreciation for their efforts or organising team-building activities can make a world of difference in how employees feel about their job.
Let Tableo be of help
By fostering a supportive culture, providing access to resources, and encouraging open conversations, restaurants can create a healthier work environment where staff feel valued and empowered to bring their best selves to work every day.
But, if you want to go a step beyond – let Tableo be of help! By implementing a booking management system you can further boost your employees well being. Here’s how:
Modernise your staff schedule: Keep track of your bookings ahead of time to make sure that you have enough staff on the shift to ensure that things run smoothly.
Remove the element of surprise: Enable your staff to have access to the reservations in real time, as to know what to prepare for.
No need to answer calls: Take reservations directly with the help of customisable website widget or a link directly from your social media pages, to eliminate the need to answer the calls during the busy shifts.
Declutter busy minds: No need to retain too much information – all details about special requests, allergies, table preferences and more can be kept in one place.
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Hanna Yerega is a freelance copywriter and a powerhouse on social media, where she combines her knack for compelling writing with a masterful grasp of digital platforms. Known for her exceptional organisation skills, she handles multiple projects with unparalleled precision. Hanna is deeply passionate about not-for-profit initiatives, using her talents to amplify their messages and drive meaningful engagement.
