The new initiative has been devised by executive head chef, Gary Klaner, as part of the hotel’s ambition to deliver a better work/life balance for chefs and improve the working environment in hospitality industry kitchens.
In its announcement the hotel adds that along with a four day week, the scheme will also increase pay for chefs across the hotel in recognition of the hours they work; although it doesn't detail the level of the increase and whether or not it will apply to chefs at all levels.
The scheme will start in The Landmark London’s Winter Garden Restaurant. If successful, it will be rolled out to the hotel’s other kitchens, including the Great Central Bar and the Hub, the newly opened staff restaurant depending on its success.
According to The Landmark London, productivity will be maintained through a recruitment drive in January and February, which will increase the number of kitchen staff that the hotel employs.
The hotels’ owners have also invested £10m in 'state-of-the-art' kitchens and back of house areas including staff facilities. The facilities include a new restaurant for team members, with its own open plan kitchens and designated team; and a new academy for the team to learn and develop in a variety of skills, behaviour, cultural and management development programmes, as well as development programmes for those entering the industry.
“The creative change in workdays will relieve some of the current pressure the team is under which is something they are very excited about and engaged with,” says Klaner.
“It shows The Landmark London’s serious investment in our employees and the commitment to providing a healthy work/life balance for them.”
The launch of the four day working week is part of The Landmark London’s ongoing mission to reach an outstanding level of quality in its people management, engagement and wellbeing strategy, supporting and enriching the journeys of all team members.
Led by core values of 'respect, integrity, continuous improvement and fun', The Landmark London’s HR strategy is an intrinsic part of the company vision and purpose.
“We are delighted to be leading the way in changing chef working patterns by offering a four day working week,” says Nicola Forshaw, group director of human resources at The Landmark London.
“We prioritise investing in our team, supporting them in achieving a balanced lifestyle and this new initiative will work towards our ongoing mission to enhance their wellbeing.”
