5 Reasons Why a Diverse Kitchen is Successful
Diversity in the kitchen brings together a rich blend of cultures, perspectives, and techniques that elevate creativity and innovation. Today, we discuss how, by embracing varied backgrounds, kitchens foster stronger teamwork, create unique dishes, and reflect the diversity of the culinary world in every meal.
Working with people from diverse backgrounds brings a multitude of fresh perspectives, making a kitchen more innovative. In the culinary world, this means more creativity, richer flavours, and greater opportunities for growth. But beyond culinary artistry, the benefits of diversity in the workplace extend to team dynamics, decision-making, and customer satisfaction.
When workplaces prioritise equality and diversity, everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute. This creates an environment where diverse perspectives thrive, boosting the entire team’s success. Here’s why diversity is important in the workplace, especially in kitchens, and how embracing it can lead to remarkable results.
Why a Diverse Kitchen is a Successful Kitchen
“Learning about other cultures is part of the joy of life!” says Michelle Trusselle, owner and executive chef at Myristica. Check out why she prioritises diversity and inclusion in her kitchen.
1. It Empowers Diverse Backgrounds to Succeed
“A positive kitchen is run without discrimination and has opportunities for everyone. Good work is acknowledged and there is no favouritism,” says Pinky Maruping, Chef, Unilever Food Solutions South Africa.
Watch Danielle Venter, Hagashen Moodley and Pinky Maruping have a Positive Chat to discuss creating diverse kitchens: Here
2. It Helps Us Face Challenges
On top of cultural and culinary innovation, one of the advantages of diversity in the workplace is hearing more voices when decision-making. Having diverse employees and management can bring fresh views, new ways of solving problems and a variety of skill sets to the business.
Andres Cardona, Chef at Unilever Food Solutions Mexico, thinks a diverse team overcomes challenges better and faster: “People from different backgrounds, genders and lifestyles have diverse and enriching perspectives. This helps us find creative solutions to challenges. When we all feel comfortable sharing, we all learn from each other and can innovate. It makes a business successful.”
3. It Helps Us Expand Our Horizon
One of the greatest advantages of diversity in the workplace is its ability to spark innovation. Amazing culinary creations are born when different cultures and traditions come together.
Mawiyah Salisu, line cook t Richmond Station in Toronto, speaks about the power of diversity in creating innovation: “When people from different backgrounds and countries work together, amazing things can happen. There are innovative techniques and ideas. It’s always interesting. In a diverse kitchen, we keep learning, which makes all of us better. Inclusion is essential for growth. We need to focus on it always.”
4. It Creates Unique Experiences for Customers
Why is diversity good in the workplace? Because it allows businesses to cater to a broader audience. A team that reflects its community is better equipped to understand and meet the needs of diverse customers.
“A team that incorporates different cultures, cuisines and techniques offers a unique and exciting culinary experience for customers,” says Andres Cardona, Chef at Unilever Food Solutions Mexico.
5. It Enriches Your Team’s Culinary Culture
Different backgrounds and cultural influences don’t only create unique experiences for guests but also enrich the team’s culinary culture and your food offerings.
Rita Soueidan, Head Chef at Maisan15, experiences this fusion of traditions in her kitchen, with lots of international crew members that bring their unique touches to the menu: “Creating dishes with team members from different countries and backgrounds not only makes our food taste better and our restaurant more appealing to a broader audience,” she says “but it also gives the chefs opportunities to learn techniques from different cultures and helps to increase their knowledge and understanding of that culture.” Click here
6. It Brings More Voices to the Table
Creating an inclusive workspace also means letting the team take part in business meetings, so they can not only learn more about it but also give their input.
This way, business decisions will benefit from different and fresh perspectives. What’s more, when the team feels heard and represented, they feel better and may be happier at work.
Angelique Ricketts, line cook at Jack Astor’s Bar and Grill, highlights the need to let staff express themselves and find their strengths: “Encourage your staff to express themselves and who they are. People need to be seen and heard. When they feel safe, they can speak up if there are problems. Assign different roles and duties to people so they can contribute in new ways. It helps them find their strengths and their colleagues will appreciate their participation."
Unlock the Power of Diversity Now
By embracing the advantages of diversity in the workplace, you’ll not only strengthen your team but also drive innovation, satisfaction, and success.
Start today by learning more about your team members, asking them about daily lives and their professional ambitions. Small actions, like treating people with dignity and respect, make a profound difference.
