The person next to you on the line? They're probably feeling it too.
Here’s how to connect without making things weird.
What You'll Learn
By the end of this, you'll be able to:
- Actually check in with your teammates (for real)
- Spot the signs when someone's struggling
- Build small moments of "we're in this together" even when it's manic
The Reality
Let's call him David. He just left the industry after 17 years:
"I don't really have anyone to tell. I didn't get a great job but it'll pay the bills... Pretty much all I've known for the last 17 years is working in a kitchen full time. I thought I was lucky to have two days off each week in the kitchen. And now I'll have two consecutive days off each weekend, I don't even know what I'm going to do with that time."
> — From a thread where 292 people responded with support
"I don't really have anyone to tell."
Ouch. That line stings. Hospitality's got this weird paradox: you're surrounded by people, but you can feel utterly alone.
The Isolation Problem
70% of hospitality workers don't feel comfortable talking about mental health at work.
Let that sink in. Seven out of ten of your colleagues are battling in silence.
It's not because they're weak. It's because:
- The relentless pace kills vulnerability
- "Just get on with it" is basically the industry motto
- Showing you're struggling feels like admitting defeat
- Nobody ever taught us how to deal with this stuff
Small Connections That Matter
Some line cook shared a list of free mental health apps. Nothing fancy, just useful stuff. The post got 222 upvotes.
"I know I'm not the only line cook here who struggles with mental health, but also can't go to therapy."
> — A line cook helping others find support
That's solidarity. Not some grand gesture, just someone saying, "Yeah, I get it," and offering something practical.
The Dead Day Question
A manager asked:
"What's everyone's trick for keeping kitchen staff motivated on a dead slow day? Some days are just 'rainy days', and we have longer quiet periods."
> — A kitchen manager looking for answers
This is the right question. Not "how do I squeeze more work out of them?" but "how do we get through this together?"
The answers included:
- Deep cleaning projects that make everyone's life easier in the long run
- Prepping for future specials
- Training time for the newbies
- Just admitting that dead days are a drag
How to Check In (Without Being Cringe)
Checking in doesn't need to be a therapy session. Try:
The casual opener: "January is brutal, isn't it? How are you actually doing?"
The shared misery: "I'm finding this week a proper slog. Anyone else feeling it?"
The practical offer: "I'm grabbing a coffee. Want one?"
The acknowledgement: "That service was a nightmare. But we survived."
It's not about solving everyone's problems. It's about smashing the isolation.
Reflection Point
Who on your team might need someone to check in on them?
The quiet one who used to be the life of the party? The one who's been phoning in sick more than usual? The one who looks knackered even at the start of their shift?
You don't need to fix anything. Sometimes just noticing is enough.
Your Action Today
Have one real conversation with someone at work.
Not about stock levels or rotas. About them.
- "How was your weekend? No, really, how was it?"
- "What are you watching at the moment?"
- "If you could do anything else other than work in hospitality, what would it be?"
These chats build connection. Connection builds teams that actually make it through January.
The Research
Teams that regularly check in see:
- 23% lower turnover
- Happier staff
- Better service
- Fewer sick days
Connection isn't just a nice-to-have. It's a massive advantage.
Building Your Support Network
Inside work:
- Find one or two colleagues you can be honest with
- Come up with a signal for "I need five minutes"
- Share helpful stuff when you find it
Outside work:
- Connect with other hospitality workers online (r/KitchenConfidential, industry groups)
- Stay in touch with people who've moved on
- Have at least one mate who doesn't work in the industry
Resources
Hospitality Action: 0808 802 0282 Confidential support specifically for hospitality workers.
The Burnt Chef Project: theburntchefproject.com Mental health stuff for professional kitchens.
Online communities:
- r/KitchenConfidential (Reddit)
- r/restaurantowners (Reddit)
- Hospitality industry groups on LinkedIn
What's Coming Next
Tomorrow: What You CAN Control in January - actual, practical stuff you can do Wednesday: Ways to Make January Easier Thursday: February is Coming
Join the conversation: What's your go-to way to check in with teammates? Shout it out on X or LinkedIn.
About booteek: We help restaurant and bar owners protect their peace by handling the review responses, Google profile updates, and daily intelligence so you don't have to. Learn more
Tags: #hospitality #teamwork #solidarity #january2026 #cheflife #restaurantlife #communication
Quotes Used: Q-2025-12-006, Q-2025-12-016, Q-2025-12-010