The shifting paradigms of hospitality in the new normal have given rise to several deep and structural changes. An appetite for flexibility in work and employee wellbeing has also come forth in recent times. But is the case the same when it comes to hospitality businesses? We talked to prominent restaurateur Sanjeev Nanda to take his two cents on the importance of workplace wellness in hospitality ventures.
According to Sanjeev Nanda, the entire world is undergoing a seismic shift when it comes to the way organizations function, irrespective of the sectors that they belong to. “What we experience now is not a slight movement – it is a seismic shift that is bound to shape new norms for hospitality and every other sector as we knew it. In the contemporary context, workplace wellness for employees is paramount,” he says.
Sanjeev Nanda’s claims are supported by facts. Studies reveal that an astounding 80 percent of people working across different sectors suffer from mental health issues but do not seek treatment for them. Several studies have also found that overstressed, overworked, and undervalued employees are more likely to get sick, resulting in more leaves from work and staggering productivity.
So how does it fit the hospitality sector? According to Sanjeev Nanda, hospitality is one of the most fast-paced sectors. Success or failure is completely dependent on customer satisfaction, which is something one cannot achieve without solid efforts. This nature of the business makes people associated with the hospitality sector prone to stress, which in turn might affect their performance.
“Wellbeing at workplaces can only be a part of the culture when leaders empower other employees through a constructive and supportive working environment. Just like any other job, people in the hospitality business also go through their fair share of stressful situations. The best we, as leaders, can do for them is to provide them with a workplace that is stimulating and healthy – both in physical and mental terms,” says Sanjeev Nanda.
He adds, “Employees become prone to excess stress when the system doesn’t take into account the overworking and burnouts. A workplace that encourages healthy habits allows ample rest and reflection, and provide due acknowledgment and appreciation for the employees’ efforts is of utmost importance in the current times. While starting this journey might seem daunting at first, it is imperative to ensure that your employees are thriving.”
