Unilever Food Solutions' 'Life as a Chef' research pulls back the curtains on the challenges and pressures felt by the hospitality industry.

Professional kitchens are the beating heart of the hospitality industry, and Unilever Food Solutions' recent research, "Life as a Chef", delves into the intricacies behind the scenes. What's life really like behind the pass?

Life as a chef can unfortunately be full of challenges, specifically 65% of chefs currently identify staff shortages as their biggest issue, causing recruitment headaches on top of the existing market climate pressures on business - where 60% are combating the rising ingredients costs and inflationary pressures.

Experienced chefs are conditioned to expect long working days and antisocial hours, followed with little to no time left for themselves. 1 in 4 chefs reported daily overwhelming pressure, ultimately leading to a situation where only a 1/3 would recommend their vocation to others.

In spite of all of this, many chefs are very positive about the enjoyable working atmosphere experienced within their kitchens, with 40% of chefs stating it is a fundamental aspect to joining the profession, in which chefs find themselves immersed in a collaborative atmosphere, where working together helps inspire their creativity and in turn delight their customers. It's this bond as culinary professionals that becomes a source of strength and resilience, helping chefs to emerge victorious in this ever-demanding profession.

This perhaps could go some way in explaining why 73% of chefs told us that their business is not only surviving but thriving, even admits the backdrop of a challenging and tumultuous foodservice landscape in recent years.

To conclude, our "Life as a Chef" research shows that the hospitality industry is clearly going through a challenging time, yet many remain hopeful of overcoming the challenges facing them in 2024, with the majority of chefs reporting positive business performance. Nevertheless, as an industry, we can do more to come together and address these underlying issues and improve working conditions if we're to attract and retain more talent in our kitchens.

At Unilever Food Solutions, we are here to help.

#FairKitchens , a movement co-founded by Unilever Food Solutions in 2018, strives to address these desires by championing a more resilient and sustainable industry with the well-being of culinary professionals at its core. Offering a multifaceted approach, #FairKitchens supports chefs through:

1. Leadership Training

Our leadership training empowers chefs to build and nurture their kitchen brigades. Enhancing leadership skills in order to navigate challenges effectively and improve culture from the top down.

2. Onboarding Checklists for New Starters

Providing comprehensive chef onboarding resources. Creating a welcoming atmosphere from the start, fostering a positive workplace culture.

3. Mental Health Support

Offering free training and guides to support chefs' mental well-being and equipping chefs to assist both themselves and their team during challenging times.

4. Compassionate Feedback

Supporting in addressing tension and conflict through a framework that encourages people to listen to each other, fostering an environment in which communication is positive and constructive.

5. Inclusivity

Offering resources to promote an inclusive and diverse workplace. By uniting people and promoting an atmosphere of openness, #FairKitchens helps lead the way towards a more inclusive and supportive industry. We can all play our part in a cultural shift that celebrates the culinary spirit and inspires positive change throughout the wider industry. Through movements like #FairKitchens, we aim to create a thriving and fulfilling community of chefs who are eager to ensure that the heart of the hospitality industry continues to beat strong.