WIN: Rewarding the friendships that power hospitality
BRITA Professional and the Burnt Chef Project collaborate on research* that reveals work besties improve customer service, team efficiency and mental health.
Hospitality professionals who have a best friend at work are more likely to operate better as a team (71%) and provide better customer service (46%) according to new research from BRITA Professional and the Burnt Chef Project.
As BRITA is an advocate of great service in hospitality, the research, which celebrates the friendships that are the lifeblood of the sector, is being launched alongside a new competition that will see a pair of best friends working in sector rewarded for their great service by receiving a money-can't-buy prize.
Three-quarters (77%) of industry employees have a best friend at work, and they recognise the benefits this brings them both professionally and personally.
More than half (51%) of those surveyed recognise that they provide better service by being more efficient, productive and energetic when working with their best friend; many more acknowledge that their shared understanding as a result of friendship means they can appreciate each other's strengths (74%), know their weaknesses (47%) and help calm one another in stressful situations (58%) – which can be a common occurrence in the sector, especially during the lead-up to Christmas.
When you consider that 93% of sector professionals said they would even stay longer in their role if they had a close friend at work, it's clear that great friendships can lead to better service created by a stronger team that stays together.
Mental health matters
If the lockdown taught us anything, it's that human connection has a positive effect on the way we process our daily lives. So, it's no wonder nearly two-thirds (62%) of hospitality professionals say working with their best friend helps to minimise stress, while half (50%) acknowledge the anxiety-reducing benefits.
Without these means of support, sector workers warn they would feel isolated (57%), bored (48%), and lonely (49%) at work. What's more, they caution that businesses may see reduced performance as teamwork (51%), morale (44%) and engagement (37%) suffer. "The relationships forged within hospitality are strong, life-long bonds and now the data shown in this research backs this up," says Kris Hall, CEO and founder of the Burnt Chef Project.
"This data has done a great job of really highlighting the importance to our wellbeing of establishing a close-knit tribe and the benefits of promoting a healthy workplace culture focused on connection to begin combating workplace stress."
The perfect pair
As well as perfect partnerships on a personal level, the research identified other pairings that are also essential for operators to succeed in hospitality. These include buying the perfect equipment (70%), finding ideal suppliers (60%), and one in three (31%) state that reliable equipment servicing is a key consideration. Those surveyed also placed establishing sustainable business partnerships high up the agenda (41%).
External relationships with suppliers are just as important as the bonds formed within hospitality teams; operators who can depend upon suppliers who understand their clients' business strengths and needs can react to operational changes faster, adapting their service to overcome or pre-empt challenges and ultimately work towards success in partnership.
"The friendships forming quietly in UK hospitality venues have a loud impact on the sector," comments Chris Fay C.F.S.P, business account manager at BRITA Professional.
"We know the power that establishing the right partnerships and connections can have, both within teams and with third-party suppliers, especially considering the challenges facing the industry today. That's why we want to celebrate the exceptionality of the sector's perfect pairings through our latest competition."
A problem shared is a problem solved
Robust supplier relationships are often the backbone of successful hospitality businesses. And when operators are spinning multiple plates, sometimes essential tasks like regular equipment maintenance can be forgotten. Suppliers who offer preventative care that's tailored to individual business needs, like BRITA Managed Services, can help to avoid costly disruption to service and provide ongoing support – often solving a small issue before it becomes a huge problem.
Work hard, play hard
BRITA and the Burnt Chef Project want to reward your excellent service as a result of friendship with a money-can't-buy experience at Whatley Manor, and its Michelin-starred restaurant the Dining Room.
To enter, visit www.brita.co.uk/perfect-pairings and share the contact details of you and your hospitality work best friend – and explain your favourite thing about working together – by 11.59pm on 31st January 2023
*Research throughout conducted with 750 people by 3GEM on behalf of BRITA Professional and the Burnt Chef Project, October 2022 unless otherwise stated.
