But It’s not all bad news! Job satisfaction for food service workers has actually increased by 7% over the past year. So, let’s build on that positive momentum. Here are some long-term strategies to help reduce stress in your restaurant and support your team, helping them feel energised!
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Nobody said it was easy, but a well-organised restaurant helps keep stress on the down low—here’s how:
Plan ahead – Have a game plan, for busy shifts or busy seasons to help avoid last-minute chaos. When you’re organised, your staff know what to expect, which eases the pressure.
Tip: Use work management software like Tamigo for scheduling, attendance, and HR data to streamline operations. Check it out here.
Clear communication – Stress often comes from confusion or lack of direction. Make sure everyone knows what’s expected of them. Whether it’s a quick pre-service meeting or clear written guidelines, good communication makes a huge difference in reducing frustration.
Training and support – When staff feel confident in their skills, stress levels drop. Regular training sessions help equip your team to handle busy times and new challenges with ease.
For our Danish readers: Don’t miss out on these free courses from DRC, available for both management and employees. Get started here.
Encourage breaks – Sometimes, all it takes is a short break to recharge. Whether it’s a moment to step outside, grab a snack, or just take a breather, giving your team time to refocus can work wonders.
Looking after your team’s mental and physical health is essential for keeping stress in check. Here’s how you can create a wellness-focused environment:
Talk about it – Stress can feel isolating, but having open conversations about mental health creates a supportive environment where your team feels comfortable reaching out for help when needed.
Pro Tip: Check out 8 tips to support your employees from the Harvard Business Review.
Encourage exercise – Service work keeps you on your feet, but why not take it a step further with fitness outside of the restaurant? Running clubs or team fitness activities are great ways to boost both mental and physical health.
Copenhagen-based? Check out this list of running clubs and join in!
Relaxation opportunities – Offer your team ways to unwind, like subsidized massage sessions. It may seem like an extra cost, but investing in your team’s well-being pays off in the long run.
A supportive team culture is one of the best ways to tackle stress. When everyone feels like they’re working together, managing stress becomes a lot easier.
Celebrate wins – Recognising the hard work of your staff, no matter how big or small, helps lift spirits. Celebrating even the little victories creates a positive vibe and shows your team that they’re appreciated.
Need inspiration? Check out these celebration tips.
Team-building activities – Whether it’s a laid-back dinner, a fun outing, or even a game during a quiet moment, team-building activities help your staff connect and build stronger relationships. When your team feels close, it’s easier to handle the stress of busy shifts together.
So, there you have it: better operations, employee wellness, and team spirit—three essential ingredients for reducing staff stress in your restaurant. If only it were that simple, right?
But here’s the thing: don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. After all, your well-being is the foundation of the team’s success.
Need more tips to deal with restaurant stress? Check out this post, or head over to the blog for more insights on restaurant industry topics!
