Nurturing culinary stars: 8 tips to engage and retain chefs
For a kitchen to thrive, it’s essential to engage and retain chefs. The restaurant industry has bounced back from the struggles of the last few years, but keeping great staff on board is still a challenge. While raising wages is helpful, it’s not the only solution.
FairKitchens is diving into creative ways to hold onto your valuable team members. We’ll explore alternative benefits, the power of upskilling, and how to build a supportive and positive workplace where everyone feels respected and heard.
Read on for tips and strategies to support talented chefs.
Retain chefs by showing them the possibilities of a hospitality career
Learn the strengths of each team member and provide opportunities for them to grow. Show them the vast opportunities in our profession. Encourage your team to work outside of their comfort zone so they can see where they fit best. Offer internal workshops and external courses to support upskilling and continuous learning.
James Brown
Executive chef, Unilever Food Solutions UK & Ireland
Engage your team by showing you appreciate them
Get to know your team and value them as individuals, not just as employees. When you find initiatives that focus on their wellbeing, they will feel supported and appreciated. Make sure you offer fair hours, including consecutive days off. This will help them have a healthy work-life balance. Publicly praise good work and thank your staff for what they do.
Michelle Trusselle
Owner and executive chef, Myristica
Offer training programmes that make your staff want to stay
Conduct quarterly one-on-one goal check-ins with team members to understand how they want to grow. You can support their development by offering training opportunities during working hours, tuition and dining experiences. Expose your staff to a range of new skills by rotating stations. This also allows them to work closely with a variety of other chefs.
Eric Robertson
Co-chef and owner,
Restaurant Pearl Morissette and RPM Bakehouse
Motivate and engage talented chefs
There are many things you can do to boost morale and keep young chefs motivated. Show them you are invested in their growth by offering structured mentorship and training programmes. It’s also essential to create an inclusive and supportive kitchen. Do this by encouraging open communication so young staff feel comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas. Recognise and celebrate achievements, even the small ones.
Bryant Martin G. Agramon
Culinary graduate, ICCA Dubai
Ask for training to reach your goals
Before joining a new workplace, research their track record in employee development. Make sure they offer training programmes that can help you grow. Talk to your supervisor about setting realistic career goals. They can advise you on the skills you need to get there and how long it will take. Take the initiative for your own training by practising your craft. Also ask to be placed in various roles in the restaurant to develop a well-rounded skill set.
Joanne Limoanco-Gendrano
Executive chef, Unilever Food Solutions Arabia
Invest in your future by putting in the work today
Hospitality is a dynamic career because it allows you to be yourself and do what you love. As you develop as a chef and as the industry evolves with time, you can change direction. To keep growing, be consistent and don’t be scared to ask questions. If you keep putting in the effort, you will look back in five or ten years and thank yourself for doing the work.
Tebogo Ramatsui
Chef, Unilever Food Solutions South Africa
Choose a mentor to guide your career
If you want to become the best chef, you have to work with the best chefs. Look for opportunities where you can be mentored and coached by leaders who inspire you. A good mentor is invaluable. They can cheer you on when you feel discouraged by the pressure of this industry. Because they see where your talents lie, they can guide you by connecting you to the right people to accelerate your career.
Hlali Mzingwane
Chef, Kitchen360za
Watch Chef Tebogo Ramatsui and Chef Hlali Mzingwane in the latest edition of A Fair Chat, where they discuss career opportunities for young aspiring chefs.
Engage and retain your best chefs
Treat all your team members like you want to be treated. To make your staff feel valued and engaged, find creative perks. Also ensure their ongoing growth by offering training and mentorship programmes. Continuous learning stops your most skilled people from looking for new jobs. Teaching your team new skills, personally and professionally, will build their confidence and your trust in them. Senior staff members also need to be supported. Develop their leadership skills with courses like the free Leadership Training.
Simmie Vedi
Head chef, Chapter
By focusing on a positive working culture, growth and training, we can show young chefs the incredible career opportunities awaiting them in the industry. When they see a clear path for long-term success and fulfilment, they’re more likely to stay, grow and thrive in this dynamic field.
Are you ready to become a leader who engages and retains talented staff? Sign up today for the free FairKitchens leadership training.
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