In the people-focused hospitality industry, teamwork is the backbone to success of any business. Whether it’s in hotels and restaurants to cruise ships or theme parks, every aspect of the hospitality sector depends on the effectiveness of their teams across all divisions. To understand how and why it’s so important, we’ll explore the four key reasons why it’s particularly crucial in a time-sensitive industry built around creating memorable guest experiences. However, to start with let’s take a look at what good teamwork actually means.
The difference between good teamwork and bad teamwork in hospitality
For anyone who has working in hospitality, you’ve probably had experience working in a good team environment compared to one that’s perhaps not ideal. Maybe you’ve worked in a kitchen where tensions ran high among staff or a large organisation where different area divisions don’t communicate with each other clearly.
Being part of a good team means not only getting the job done more efficiently across the whole organisation, but it also creates a more positive experience for everyone involved.
Good teamwork
Put simply, good teamwork means:
- Effective communication
- Individual talent
- Sense of belonging to the group
- Good leadership
- Clear structure and planning
- Achievable goals
- Feedback is constructive or positive
- Positive and solutions focused
- Empathetic and effective conflict resolution
Bad teamwork
In contrast, bad teamwork looks like:
- Hierarchical dominance
- Communication breakdowns
- Attitude of indifference
- Micromanagement
- Lack of planning
- Absence of trust
- Clashing personalities and skillsets
- Goal misalignment
- Resistance to change
- Inadequate conflict resolution
Just by looking at this list, it’s clear to see how the hallmarks of good teamwork, such as effective communication and constructive feedback will lead directly to more effective outcomes for a hospitality business.
How teamwork affects hospitality businesses
Let’s take a closer look at the four key ways these factors have a particular impact when it comes to the hospitality industry.
1. Efficient operations
In the fast-paced world of hospitality, businesses constantly operate under revenue-management time pressure. Rooms need to be filled; meals need to be served – all to keep the profits rolling in. In this time-sensitive environment, businesses are even more vulnerable than usual to any kind of issues disrupting the efficiency or flow of operations.
In large hotels and hospitality establishments, numerous tasks must seamlessly handle across different departments; sometimes, each teeming with hundreds of employees. From the kitchen, front of house, operations to management, effective coordination is key. Team leaders must be able to delegate and coordinate many responsibilities simultaneously, as well as communicate with managers from other divisions.
When employees collaborate effectively, they eliminate bottlenecks and avoid redundant tasks and delays. Effective communication, planning, and delegation keep the kitchen stocked, guests satisfied, rooms pristine, and customer requests promptly met. Studies even show that collaborative teams are over 50% more effective in task completion compared to solo workers.
Whether it’s checking guests in and out, handing room service, or managing reservations, a cohesive team can harmonise the myriad processes that keep a hospitality business humming, leading to heightened productivity and guest satisfaction.
2. Better guest experiences
Delivering outstanding guest experiences is at the heart of every hospitality business, whether you’re hosting a romantic dinner or a family vacation.
Creating memorable guest experiences not only means doing your job, but also creating loyal customers who recommend your business to friends and family, or who leave positive reviews online. That’s incredibly important in the hospitality industry, where people heavily rely on reviews and word-of-mouth for decision making.
According to TripAdvisor, 81% of people often check reviews before booking a hotel, and in Australia, 38% discover new brands through recommendations.
According to TripAdvisor, 81% of people often check reviews before booking a hotel, and in Australia, 38% discover new brands through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Effective teamwork plays a vital role in creating exceptional guest experiences. When employees collaborate seamlessly, they can provide personalised service that exceeds expectations. Clear communication and task delegation among team members ensure requests are handled promptly and accurately, while collaborative problem-solving enables quick resolution of any issues or conflicts that may arise.
By promoting a culture of teamwork, hospitality businesses create a welcoming atmosphere where guests feel valued, fostering loyalty and positive word-of-mouth. There is nothing less enjoyable for customers than coming into a hospitality environment where there is clear hostility or underlying tension among teams or staff.
3. Flexibility and adaptability
Unexpected challenges like last-minute cancellations, sudden increases in bookings, unfulfilled orders, and even pandemic lockdowns are the ever-changing nature of the hospitality industry, with unexpected situations and challenges that can arise at any moment.
Effective teamwork equips employees to navigate these uncertainties with flexibility and trust. By pooling their expertise, brainstorming solutions, and offering mutual support, teams can effectively handle high-pressure situations. Quick information exchange, constructive feedback, and prompt issue resolution benefit the entire business, particularly during the time of crisis.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, consulting firm McKinsey recommended businesses to establish agile team networks to respond swiftly to challenges.
Promoting a collaborative teamwork approach ensures that hospitality businesses can adapt rapidly to changing circumstances. By fostering all the aspects of good teamwork mentioned, hospitality organisations can build a resilient workforce capable of thriving in uncertain times.
4. Employee morale and motivation
One of the most important aspects of good teamwork in the hospitality industry is how it affects employee morale. With the industry experiencing high turnover rates compared to many industries, and many countries including Australia are still experiencing staff shortages even after the pandemic.
One of the easy ways that hospitality businesses can improve staff hiring and retention rates is by creating a supportive and collaborative workplace. Research suggests that businesses promoting effective teamwork and collaboration can slash turnover rates by 50%. Moreover, employees are 17% more satisfied with their jobs when they feel they’re part of a cohesive team.
When individuals come together in a friendly and respectful atmosphere, they feel a sense of belonging and purpose. Effective teamwork encourages open communication, embraces diverse perspectives, and provides opportunities for mutual learning through constructive feedback.
Not only does a positive teamwork environment boost employee satisfaction, but it also enhances productivity. Studies show that a happy workplace can increase productivity by up to 31%.
Under strong leadership, happy team members are more likely to support and uplift each other, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Recognising achievements as a team further reinforces the culture of collaboration and serves as a powerful motivator for staff to excel.
Don’t overlook the importance of organising staff awards, bonuses, celebrations, and team-building activities in your hospitality business. These initiatives not only strengthen team bonds but also inspire employees to give their best effort.