It is that time of year when we expect the business to ramp up a bit. Tourists are in town! They come from international as well as the domestic markets and can have a significant impact on increasing midweek and weekend sales. Hopefully this increase in workload is reflected in the number of staff employed to ensure capacity cope with these busier spells over the summer in rural and urban based business. However, a major concern for operators around the country, who have expressed concerns to me, is the current difficulties in the are of recruitment and staffing. This means that some operators are unable to open for the full 7 days a week or are offering a restricted menu. Clearly hospitality is definitely still trying to fight back from the effects of the pandemic. Recovery is slow.
However it is vitally important, in the midst of these trying times, that staff and management get a much -needed break away from the business for a period longer than just a few days.
How often have you said, “I really need a holiday?”. Perhaps ‘need’ is a bit strong, but holidays really are of great benefit to our physical and mental health. Here’s a few reasons why.
- Workaholic? Forget about it! A holiday provides the perfect opportunity to reassess and realign your work-life balance, or life-work as I like to put it.
- Getting close to nature always makes you feel better emotionally, and contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and helps you to de-stress. Sitting and relaxing, absorbing the beauties of your chosen holiday destination will give you a boost.
- Take a holiday from your technology. You may want to capture a few photos or Instagram memories while you are away, but do you really need to stay glued to your phone or tablet? Better to expand your real social network with new friends made during the time you are away from home.
- Your diet can really improve while on holiday. You may enjoy a few extra treats (cold beer or cocktails) but try to resist that urge…….. and opt for fresh fruits and salads, healthy local menus and the lighter cuisine that are always more appetising in a warm climate.
- Away from routine worries and with no alarm clock to wake you each morning, you can really catch up on rest while you are on holiday. The extra physical activities you’ll undertake – swimming in the crystal blue water, strolling on the beach or exploring – will also make you physically tired and able to enjoy a snooze in the afternoon and nod off contentedly at night.
- Spending quality time with family and friends will make you – and them – happier!Enjoying extra hours with the kids and spending valuable time with a partner actually releases the ‘happy hormone’, oxytocin.
- Open your mind to new experiences and you’ll feel refreshed and re-energised. Be prepared to broaden your mind as you broaden your horizons, absorbing as much as you can about your new surroundings.
- Believe it or not travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer!
When you return to work after a holiday, you’ll find that you’re more productive and efficient. You may also find that you have a refreshed perspective and greater appreciation for your job. Research has shown that some of the best ideas come when we step away from work and give our minds a break – in fact, you may be more likely to have a “eureka moment” while you’re relaxing or daydreaming than when you’re focused on a problem. The reason is that when we’re trying to force ourselves to come up with an idea, we tend to get fixated on a single concept. In contrast, when we’re relaxed, our minds are free to wander and make unexpected connections. So next time you’re feeling stuck, try taking a break from work. You may find that the best ideas come when you least expect them.
I hope I have managed to persuade you of the importance of taking a well-deserved break from work.
All at Hospitality Health hope you have a busy trading season, but just as importantly a good rest, recharge and boost to help face the road ahead following your return.
Gordon McIntyre
Founding Chairman
Hospitality Health