Over 80 senior professionals from all sectors of the hospitality industry gathered at an event on Thursday 3rd October from 5pm-7:30pm at Nomura International PLC in 1 Angel Lane, London to explore if companies within the hospitality sector are FIT – ‘Fit for purpose, Inspired and Teched up’ for the future.
The event was co-hosted by Admiral Recruitment, Nomura International Plc, CODE Hospitality, the Good Eating Company and Food Choice, a company behind a leading edge, healthy eating management system for employees, clients and customers.
Paula Rogers FIH, founder of Admiral Recruitment, said: “Our vision for this event was to showcase how we and operators within the hospitality sector can be and are FIT to meet the challenges ahead so that we all continue to attract the fittest candidates and inspire and retain the best teams whilst using technology to its greatest benefit for our wellbeing.
“With on-going staffing challenges facing the hospitality sector, it has never been more important to look after people. As employers, we have to take responsibility to support health and wellbeing in the workplace.”
The event included a presentation by Dr Fiona Geaney, public health nutritionist and founder/CEO of Food Choice, a scientifically proven workplace health programme and the first of its kind to fully integrate environmental re-engineering and detailed nutrition education.
Adam Hyman, founder of CODE Hospitality, a community for the hospitality industry created to reward, inspire, connect and educate, shared the results of the CODE’s Happiness in Hospitality survey. He talked about the importance of supporting diversity and how important it is to celebrate this vibrant sector.
Ian Edwards, programme director of health and fitness at Nomura International, which was ranked first among UK’s large employers in Britain’s Healthiest Workplace Awards earlier this year, shared Nomura’s detailed blueprint for a healthier workplace.
Hugely passionate about food, health and wellbeing, Paula Rogers is an advocate of Admiral families and the wellbeing of all people in the business. She competes at an international level in age group triathlons and was an international runner for Ireland. She encourages a healthy and fit workplace with unlimited free fruit for staff and sporting activities such as a football league, gym membership, boxing, a running club for staff, a book club and a wellness-social team. Flexible working, counselling, healthcare, parental support and a mentoring and ‘Buddy system’ are part of life at Admiral Recruitment.
She said: “Candidates and the workforce in hospitality are extremely discerning and tuned in. Pay and salaries are paramount, but the candidates we represent have an inspiration to work with FIT companies. Employers have to be parents, teachers and mentors to attract, retain and develop staff. It’s about being fit for purpose, ensuring inspirational environments and actively showing commitment to staff health and wellbeing, from work/life balance and development opportunities right through to technical support and healthy food in the workplace.
“This event was a first step in engaging with all of the major players within the UK hospitality sector to think about what we as employers can do to support staff health and wellbeing. It was an absolute joy to see so many senior FMs and HR professionals, as well operators from within foodservice, business services, hotels, events, pubs, bar and restaurants, come together in what was an inspiring and uplifting conversation.”
Featured Image – From left to right, Ian Edwards, Fiona Geaney, Paula Rogers and Adam Hyman.
