In the bustling world of hospitality, sustainability has transitioned from a buzzword to a necessity.
But why?
And what exactly is "sustainability"?
This blog aims to answer this and more, and offers practical advice on how you can have a more sustainable hospitality business.
What is Sustainability?
At its core, sustainability in hospitality is about engaging in meaningful dialogues across all levels of the business. It's not merely about adhering to environmental standards but intertwining social, economic, and environmental practices to foster a holistic approach.
Talking Hospitality podcast guest, Angela Zick, an expert in sustainability in Hospitality, emphasises the importance of communication, empathy, and a willingness to experiment as foundational pillars for sustainable transformation.
Overcoming Challenges with Creativity and Empathy
Sustainability is not without its challenges, especially when it involves changing long-standing practices and mindsets. Angela's approach—leveraging her culinary creativity and empathetic leadership—highlights the importance of consensus and dialogue. By understanding and addressing the needs of everyone involved in the change process, sustainability initiatives are more likely to succeed and be embraced across the organisation.
In her view, from farming practices to consumer habits, every aspect of the food system plays a role in shaping a sustainable future.
Andrea Zick has three key pieces of advice emerge for businesses looking to adopt sustainable practices:
1. Embrace Dialogue and Consensus Building
Andrea emphasises the importance of engaging in open dialogue with every member of the business to discuss current practices and their impact on the environment, society, and the business's profitability. By fostering a culture of communication and consensus, businesses can identify areas for improvement and collectively work towards sustainable solutions. This approach not only ensures that changes are more widely accepted but also encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility among all staff members.
2. Foster Empathy and Compassion in Change Processes
Change is often met with resistance, and sustainability initiatives are no exception. Andrea highlights the need for empathy and compassion towards those who are being asked to change their ways of working. Understanding the challenges and barriers faced by employees and showing genuine concern for their perspectives can make the transition smoother and more effective. This empathetic approach can help in overcoming resistance and fostering a supportive environment for sustainable changes.
3. Encourage Experimentation and Creativity
Sustainability is not just about identifying what's going wrong but also about exploring new ways of doing things. Andrea draws on her background as a chef to advocate for experimentation and creativity in sustainability efforts. By encouraging staff to try new approaches and think outside the box, businesses can discover innovative solutions that reduce their environmental impact while still delivering on quality and customer satisfaction. This creative mindset can lead to breakthroughs in how sustainability is integrated into everyday business operations.
Conclusion
Implementing sustainable practices in the hospitality industry requires more than just a set of guidelines; it demands a cultural shift towards open communication, empathy, and innovation. By engaging in dialogue, showing compassion during change processes, and fostering a spirit of experimentation, hospitality businesses can make significant strides towards sustainability. These practices not only contribute to a healthier planet but also build a stronger, more cohesive team that is equipped to face the challenges of sustainability together.
In order to hear more insights and real life examples of how hospitality businesses have put sustainability in action, be sure to check out these episodes on sustainability
