Better Cheflife

Our kitchen culture does little to acknowledge that we as chefs have a life outside of work. But I think that is to the detriment of our service: when we accept this truth, we can make allowance for how these

Three years ago, I started a weekly practice of walking in the woods near my house. In a small way I connect with the land I live on, and the cycles of nature – all while living in one of the world’s largest metropolises. For me,

The #BetterCheflife campaign has now ended and will resume in the New Year. I’d personally like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you who supported me with interviews, spread word about the workshop and calls and or shared your own stories and

This week the Guardian featured the family who run the Checkers restaurant in Wales – they’ve returned their Michelin star because business was overtaking their family life. Kathryn Francis, who runs it together with her sister Sarah and her partner found the success difficult to balance with caring for

Something to think about, chefs: what are your communication skills like? Because closely linked to work-life balance is your ability to communicate your needs and requests. Because at some point or the other we all need to negotiate time off, politely decline a

When our industry culture doesn’t prompt us to pay attention to our work-life balance, it can take courage to take a stand for your own wellbeing. And it’s probable that you’ll face resistance or criticism when you do. But in that moment, you’re not only doing a

This week’s work-life balance share comes from Tessa and Elliott, owners of Box-E in Bristol, who seem to have lots of creative solutions (their restaurant is housed in a shipping container). They balance the demands of running the restaurant alongside bringing up young

When you honour your need to find balance in your life, it not only feeds back into your work, but t also changes who you are as a person. We seldom look at it this way, but we choose goals that make

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can – Arthur Ashe Here’s a little reminder that you don’t have to wait for a big shift in your circumstances (like a new job or a promotion) to enjoy a better work-life balance,

A few weeks ago, a member of this community shared how difficult it was for chefs to relax outside of work. Although this wasn’t the case for me, I know I’m more restless as a result of working in the industry.