Working with people from diverse backgrounds brings a multitude of fresh perspectives, making a kitchen more innovative. That’s why diversity and inclusion play a key role in shaping a workforce rich in talents, skills, and customs.
When everyone feels welcomed, trusted, and valued, they are more likely to express their thoughts and ideas freely, and their diverse perspectives could boost the whole team. Our Positive Kitchens ambassadors share why a diverse workplace is a successful workplace.
Why a Diverse Kitchen is a Successful 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, having a diverse team can be crucial for effective business 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 Horizons
Amazing recipes are born when different cultures interact. People bring their heritage into the workplace, and this can influence and enrich menus when it blends with the local culture.
Mawiyah Salisu, Chef at 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
Having a diverse team means you can better understand and cater for different customers’ needs. What’s more, a diverse staff reflects the many cultural sides of your community, making your restaurant more appealing to a wider customer base.
“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 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."
Making and implementing the changes needed to make a kitchen truly diverse and inclusive can seem daunting, but the benefits are worth it.
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.
Are you ready to gain the skills you need to run a diverse, inclusive kitchen where everyone can thrive? Sign up for our free leadership training today and learn from the Positive Kitchens ambassadors and experts.
