Kitchens are lively, exciting places to work, but they can also be tough – long hours on your feet, irregular shifts, and plenty of physically taxing work. The secret to keeping that passion alive? Creating a culture that’s supportive and nurturing. That is, building a Positive Kitchen where people thrive.
In this video, restaurateur Asma Khan talks about what a ‘Positive Kitchen’ means to her.
The formula is simple:
Positive teams = Positive culture
Positive culture = Positive outputs
Positive outputs = Positive business results
According to Khan, a Positive Kitchen is...
A Place Where Everyone is Treated Equally
Khan emphasizes that the key qualities of a Positive Kitchen as "equality, justice, fairness, and empathy." These values create a space where every team member feels respected and supported. When these principles are at the heart of a kitchen's culture, it improves productivity, and also creates a sense of community and belonging for team members.
A Space Where Everyone Truly Belongs
“My definition of a Positive Kitchen is a kitchen where you walk in and you own it,” says Khan. When team members feel that their unique qualities are not just accepted but truly valued, they become more comfortable being themselves at work. This authenticity naturally creates a more positive atmosphere in the kitchen.
A Safe Haven for the Team
“It comes down to safety – physical and mental,” Khan points out. Kitchen work can be demanding, both physically and mentally. But when employees feel that their wellbeing truly matters to their employer, it can transform their experience. A supportive environment not only boosts morale but also motivates the team to perform at their best, knowing they’re valued beyond just their output.
A Place Where Discussion is Encouraged
Good communication practices are key to a smooth-running kitchen, where feedback is both constructive and encouraging, and everyone feels comfortable speaking up.
Want to know how to create a Positive Kitchen? Why not reach out to your team and ask for their input too? “You need to open the discussion...You need people to feel that their opinion matters,” says Khan. “Start conversations with your team, with your management group. With the conversations, comes change.”
Ready to build the skills you need to run a kitchen where everyone feels valued and can thrive? Sign up for our free leadership training today.
