A lot of the time it is hard to think that if you become a manager, you will even have time to consider a work-life balance. You feel that once you take that role on, your idea of any balance is thrown out of the window. How could you be able to manage your business and your home life? This is where you need to step in and take advantage of the flexibility of time you create for yourself and for your business as a hospitality manager.
Having a work-life balance doesn’t just fall into your lap the second you get the position. You need to figure that one out on your own. You need to know what your priorities are and put them into place accordingly before you experience an employee burnout.
But as a manager or someone in a high-ranking position, you need to be able to not only create your own work-life balance but provide the flexibility to your employees. Below are our top tips to provide the flexibility to others and to create it for yourself.
What can you do for yourself?
As a manager of a hospitality enterprise, finding time for yourself is no easy feat. You are consistently on the move and you are always in everyone’s view. People look to you as an example, and you may sometimes feel that that example needs to be one of a hard-working, never-ending until the job is done, kind of guy. But you will soon learn that you won’t have any energy left to teach and lead others.
1. Start prioritizing
Putting things into perspective is the first thing you should be looking at. Seeing what the bigger tasks are compared to the ones you can just delegate, is the first step to letting go of the reins. Prioritize your life so that you have a time set aside where all devices are off and you are either enjoying time at home with the family or you are out building your relationships with friends.
2. Make boundaries
Learn to say no. If there is an urgent task that comes up, and you feel you are the only one who can take care of it, step back. See if you really are the only one. If that is the case you need to start teaching someone who you value within the business. Make them your go-to when it is your time to turn off. And when it is not your time, it should be their turn.
3. Manage your hospitality manager relationships
Managing your work relationships and your home relationships should not be on the same level of importance. Yes, those at work need your attention so that you can build your credibility, but the relationships at home will be the ones to get you through the worst days. Don’t neglect your biggest support system.
4. Switch off
We don’t just mean switching off your devices, that’s the easy part. Try to switch your mind off from any work-related stress. Make your mind switch off from that and onto your lifestyle tasks. Go for a run. Make a new recipe. Take time off with the family on a walk. Do anything that does not require you to use your full brain capacity. When you get home, make sure that is the only place you are thinking about and putting all your energy into.
What should you do for your business?
It is often difficult to provide the flexibilities for others if you cannot provide the resources past the conversation. As a hospitality manager, you need to ensure that you and your business are at a stable point where working in flexible hours will not damage your business.
1. Make an example
You need to be the one that your employees look up to, no matter if it has to do with work or how you should be living your life. You need to show them that you can handle all the pressures and make them realize that having time off is much needed. Be the most productive you can be within the working hours so that you can go home without having anything left undone.
2. Communicate as a hospitality manager
Ensure that you are always in communication with your employees about what is expected of them and how they should be handling their time. It will take anxiety off of them and you without having to misunderstand or misinterpret something that was said regarding a task or procedure.
3. Set realistic expectations
Sit down and strategize how you see your goals planning, and where you want to be with yourself and your business in the near and far future. From there allow your team to understand where your head is at and what you expect. Do not give unrealistic goals as you will be disappointed with the outcome. Have an honest and open discussion with your team, and client, to ensure that the expectations are clear. This way there will be no overworking.
4. Offer benefits
A lot of the time, your employees may be the ones who find it hard to say no. Give them benefits to increase their productivity at work, and allow them to want to switch off. Offer telecommuting, onsite day-care and even gym memberships. In the long run, it will also become more financially beneficial for you as you will not have as many sick employees three months down the line.
What Can Businesses Do?
Creating a supportive work environment goes beyond policies and procedures; it's about fostering a culture where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered. Here's how you can cultivate a supportive work environment within your hospitality business:
1. Open Door Policy
Encourage an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable approaching management with questions, concerns, or ideas. Actively listen to their feedback and take actionable steps to address any issues that arise. By demonstrating approachability and receptiveness, you build trust and strengthen employee morale.
2. Recognition and Appreciation
Regularly recognize and appreciate the contributions of your team members. Whether it's a simple thank you note, employee of the month awards, or team celebrations, acknowledging their efforts fosters a sense of belonging and motivates them to perform at their best.
3. Professional Development Opportunities
Invest in the professional development of your employees by offering training workshops, seminars, or tuition reimbursement programs. Providing opportunities for growth and advancement demonstrates your commitment to their long-term success and encourages loyalty to the organization.
4. Work-Life Integration
Encourage work-life integration by offering flexible scheduling options and generous time-off policies. Recognize that employees have commitments outside of work and support their efforts to achieve a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.
5. Team Building Activities
Organize team building activities and social events to strengthen bonds among your staff. Whether it's a company retreat, volunteer day, or team lunch, these activities foster camaraderie, improve communication, and create a sense of camaraderie.
6. Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Establish clear conflict resolution mechanisms to address any interpersonal disputes or disagreements that may arise in the workplace. Provide training on conflict resolution techniques and ensure that employees feel supported in resolving conflicts in a constructive manner.
But what impact will it all have?
It is not a sustainable idea to think that you can continue working without some sort of a balance. The brain needs downtime, and you need to be the one to provide it. At the end of it all, it will make you have a more successful career as a hospitality manager.
Having a break from work, going on a holiday, or just taking time off, is what you need to stay recharged, refreshed and ready to be productive. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information.