Working in a kitchen can be an exhilarating experience, fuelled by passion and creativity. However, in the bustling world of foodservice, where the heat is always on and the hours are long, there's a crucial ingredient that often takes a back seat: our mental (and physical) health. If we neglect it, we can risk illness, depression, burnout and more.
Unilever Food Solutions conducted a global survey, where it was revealed that 60% of chefs feel their work has a negative impact on their mental wellbeing to some degree. When food is your passion, the kitchen should be a place of excitement. So it’s unfortunate that it can often present challenges that lead to stress and anxiety. How do we counter this?
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We asked several chefs and culinary leaders for their best wellbeing tips for the workplace to safeguard emotional and psychological health.
Prioritise Self-Care While Staying Productive
Wellbeing and productivity go hand in hand – when you feel good, you perform better. But when your health takes a backseat, your work can suffer. So, remember that prioritising your mental and physical health isn’t just a win for you; it’s a boost for your productivity too.
“Research suggests that greater sense of wellbeing is associated with greater productivity in the workplace and even greater increases in productivity over time,” says Dr Jen Sumner, Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor, UCLA. “By taking time to promote a sense of wellbeing, we're actually using it as a means to have better health as well as even better productivity. So, it's not something that is detracting from our ability to perform in the workplace, it's actually helping us to support the maximum performance that we can have.”
Look After Your Body
“If you are new in the industry, work hard but smart,” says Runa Kvendseth, Norway Chef of the Year Contender. “Working the most hours won’t make you the best. The key to doing well in this profession is self-care and knowing what your body can handle. Eat healthily and work out. Relax in your spare time. A good work-life balance gives you energy to do important things outside of work.”
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Learn to Prioritize
When the pressure’s on and tasks are piling up, it can feel overwhelming. That’s when it’s key to take a moment and prioritise what really needs your attention. “If you have too much to do, take a quick step back,” suggests Jake Mills, Chef de Partie, Studio Frantzén. “It helps to write a physical list of what you need to do and what is priority, then give yourself time to do it.”
Establish Work-Life Balance
Setting clear boundaries between your work and personal life is one of the key wellbeing tips for the workplace. Finding that balance helps you recharge, stay focused, and avoid burnout. “We encourage a work-life balance and mandatory breaks, as a well-rested mind is a more positive mind,” says chef Dion Vengatass, Violet by Vengatass, Cape Town, South Africa.
If your current workplace doesn’t prioritise this, try setting small boundaries for yourself –whether it's taking a break when you can, or disconnecting from work messages after hours.
Find an Accountability Partner
“As chefs, we can’t ignore our mental health. It’s serious,” stresses Shuni Osano, Chef at Kwai. Wellbeing self-help can only go so far, so, Osano’s advice is to find an accountability buddy. “Build a relationship with an accountability partner and tell them how you are doing. Encourage each other in challenging times.”
She adds: “A well-balanced life is vital to manage mental health issues. Our industry is stressful, so make time to relax. Be with loved ones, exercise and treat yourself. Speak out and get help. Don’t keep your struggles to yourself.”
Talk About How You Feel
“This is an amazing industry to work in, because of the camaraderie,” says Art Ledda
Chef, US Foods. “As hospitality professionals, we are interconnected with each other. We all know someone who can help us. So, if you are struggling, reach out to the people in your network. The more we talk about mental health, the more we break through the stigma.”
Learn Stress Management Techniques
Mastering stress management techniques can be a great wellbeing self-help resource in the kitchen. Simple practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, and taking short breaks can help you stay calm under pressure. Don’t hesitate to step away for a moment to regroup. As Amanda Fuller, Group Executive Chef, Sam Prince Hospitality Group, says: “Be kind to yourself. It’s okay to step out for air when you need it.”
Need tips and strategies for stress management? Check out our article on How to Handle Stress in the Kitchen.
Seek Help When You Need It
Burnout can sneak up on even the most dedicated chefs. If you notice signs like constant tiredness, irritability, and a lack of enthusiasm for your work, don’t ignore them. Talk to your manager, a colleague, mentor, or a professional who can offer support. Taking action can lead you back to a healthier mindset and a renewed passion for your craft.
When the pressure is on, we often forget about our health, but that’s when it’s most important to nurture it. Try following these seasoned chefs’ wellbeing tips for the workplace, promoting positivity, self-care and support. It's time to create kitchens where wellbeing is a main dish.
