Working in foodservice comes with its own set of challenges. Long hours, tight schedules, and the pressures of delivering world-class dishes day in and day out can take a toll, both physically and mentally. That’s why it’s so important to create a positive, supportive kitchen culture that prioritises your team’s wellbeing.
But where do you start?
We created the TEAMS Code as a framework to help you action positive change in your kitchen through 5 key values:
- Togetherness: Championing diversity and belonging
- Empathy: Understanding where we’re coming from
- Act As One: Having each other’s backs
- Mindfulness: Taking a breath and keeping it real
- Speak Up: Encouraging open and honest communication
Bringing these values to life in your kitchen starts with bringing your team together, and taking “An Hour For Us”.
What is An Hour For Us and How Can You Make it Meaningful?
In a high-pressure environment like the kitchen, it’s easy to focus solely on the tasks at hand and put everything else on the back burner. An Hour For Us is a chance to hit the pause button, check in with each other, and have an open, pressure-free conversation about what’s working, what can be improved, and where everyone’s at––mentally, emotionally and physically.
More than just a team meeting, it’s all about taking the time to listen to each other. Here’s how you can make it a meaningful experience for everyone:
Make the Values Personal
Go through the TEAMS Code together and talk about what each value means in your kitchen. For example, what does togetherness look like for your team? How can you show more empathy in stressful moments? Giving real life context to the TEAMS values makes it easier to live by them.
Celebrate the Wins and Acknowledge the Challenges
Use this time to recognise what’s going well in the kitchen and where there’s room for growth. Maybe your team is already great at supporting each other during busy shifts, but communication could be clearer. The goal is to identify small, realistic steps for improvement.
You might also like: How to Improve Communication in the Kitchen
Set Simple, Actionable Goals
By the end of the hour, try to agree on a few easy steps everyone can take moving forward. These don’t have to be big, dramatic changes. Maybe it’s creating a moment for a quick check-in before the rush starts or finding a way to support each other more during long hours. Even small changes can make a big difference.
Put the TEAMS Code Front and Centre
To help keep these values top of mind, download the TEAMS Code poster and put it up somewhere visible in your kitchen. It’s a simple reminder for everyone to live by these values and hold each other accountable, creating a space where respect, teamwork, and happiness thrive—even on the toughest days.
Keep the Conversation Going
Remember, building a positive kitchen culture isn’t a one-time thing—it’s an ongoing journey. To make sure the TEAMS Code remains a living, breathing part of your kitchen, set up regular check-ins with your team. This is a chance to review how things are going, celebrate improvements, and tweak the plan where necessary. The key is to keep the momentum going and make progress, one step at a time.
Download the TEAMS Poster Now and take the first step toward creating a kinder, more supportive kitchen for everyone.
