Destressing a kitchen is almost an oxymoron, says Jeffrey Dinmore, executive chef at Clovis Community Medical Center in Clovis, Calif. “Stress is so ingrained in the culture of a kitchen,” he says. “But when people are more comfortable with their jobs, they create a happier work environment and prevent people from bouncing around from job to job."
A zen work environment can impact more than just turnover rates. For the foodservices department at Lewistown Public Schools in Lewistown, Mont., less stress means a more creative team. “They are more willing to try new things and have more energy to come up with new cost-saving measures or recipes,” says Amie Friesen, foodservice director for the district.
Consider these tips for reducing heat in the back of house.