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https://theconversation.com/too-much-heat-in-the-kitchen-survey-shows-toxic-work-conditions-mean-many-chefs-are-getting-out-224862>
"Chefs are in hot demand. “Chefs, chefs, chefs! Virtually impossible to find
anyone,” lamented one Auckland restaurant owner recently. Australia is seeing a
similar gap, with chefs ranked the eighth most in-demand occupation. Given this
culinary skills shortage, we might expect such sought-after employees to be
highly valued.
Apparently not. Our new report on chef wellbeing and working conditions shows
chefs in Australia and New Zealand experience significant financial hardship
and mental health issues, with many wishing to leave their jobs.
This has major implications for tourism, too, as jobs such as cheffing are
“keystone occupations” in major destinations. When jobs can’t be filled, these
places lose money.
Tourism revenue is booming, with visitors reportedly seeking more scenery,
history and culture. The food chefs prepare in cafés and restaurants forms an
integral part of the tourist experience. But despite the laws of supply and
demand, the situation for chefs is unlikely to improve without radical changes
to work practices.
Our study is the first quantitative survey to examine working conditions and
mental health issues among chefs in both Australia and New Zealand. The survey
was distributed through professional culinary associations, and final responses
were captured as Australasia emerged from COVID restrictions.
The survey also followed up previous Australian studies, which indicated
exploitation was an industry norm, with chefs experiencing burnout and wage
theft."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
