Better cooperation between kitchen and service

A successful hotel thrives on the harmonious interaction of all departments. The cooperation between kitchen and service is particularly important for the guest experience (but also for the mood among the staff!). Because only when both areas are perfectly coordinated can things run smoothly behind the scenes. 

However, time pressure, complex tasks and daily challenges can always put collaboration to the test. So how do smooth communication and teamwork work? We reveal practical tips to ensure that kitchen and service work hand in hand even at peak times.

A good team starts with clear and open communication. Misunderstandings between kitchen and service can significantly disrupt the process, which guests would immediately notice. The following applies to prevent this from happening:

• Clear distribution of tasksit should go without saying, but there are still some areas where the tasks of kitchen staff and waiters can overlap. So make sure you are clear about where you are responsible and where you are not.
• Unambiguous communication: Brief agreements and the use of standardized terms can help to avoid misunderstandings. As waiters have direct contact with guests, they have an important role to play in this area. Are you a restaurant specialist? Then memorize the menus very carefully and pass on the customer's allergies and special requests. You are the communication link between the kitchen and the guest!
• Debriefing: Exchange ideas at the end of the day - what went well, what can be improved? This is how the team learns from mistakes and grows from them.

Helpful: A small communication board in the kitchen can help to record daily information such as allergens, changes to the menu or important table reservations.

Sometimes conflicts arise when challenges are not understood by colleagues. To avoid this, it helps to get to know each other better.

• Cross-departmental team-building measures: A joint team meal or cooking workshops strengthen team spirit.
• Role reversal: Many hotels are already trying this out successfully - service staff and kitchen team swap places on a team day to understand each other's processes and time pressure.
• Conflict discussions: Is there tension or conflict? In this case, it is important to ensure that there are rooms or formats in which such issues can be worked through.  

Remember: When both sides understand each other, respect is created - and this is essential for successful teamwork. Your company's HR team should pay particular attention to this. 

A clearly structured work area and a good schedule are at the heart of a well-functioning collaboration between kitchen and service. 

• Take orders clearly: Service staff should pass on orders clearly and correctly to the kitchen. Thanks to digital ordering systems, this now generally works quite well. Nevertheless, there are still establishments where menu requests, allergens & etc. are noted down by hand. In this case, clear expressions and decent handwriting are essential.  
• Time management: The processes in the kitchen and service are normally standardized and perfectly coordinated. Are there idle times or uncoordinated faux pas? Then the area managers need to take a look at the structure and organization together.  
• Show flexibility: Unforeseen changes, such as special requests from guests, are part of the process. In this case, mutual consideration is required. What the service staff must do, however, is to memorize menus well and pass on any requests from guests directly to the kitchen.  

Tip: Use digital tools! Kitchen and ordering systems help you to manage orders efficiently and keep track of all steps.

A good atmosphere in the team has a direct impact on the service and therefore on the guests. In this way, you can help to create a positive working atmosphere:

• Praise and recognition: Whether in the kitchen or in service - a "thank you" after a long day often works wonders.
• Respect and fairness: equal rights for all! A team can only work harmoniously if no one feels disadvantaged.
• Celebrate joint successes : A successful event or positive feedback from guests is a reason to celebrate. This strengthens team spirit and motivation.

Did you already know? Employees who feel comfortable in a team stay with the company longer and are often more motivated.

Cooperation between kitchen and service is crucial to the success of a hotel or restaurant. Clear communication, a good understanding of each other and well thought-out organization ensure smooth processes and satisfied guests.

Every little improvement in teamwork pays off - for the team as well as for the guests. So: tackle it, work on your teamwork and make everyday hotel life a little bit better for everyone!