Eight on the Eighth

Titbits for Females Considering a Career in Hospitality.

International Women’s Day usually passes me by if I’m honest. It shouldn’t. Actually - I’m perhaps now feeling a little ashamed that historically it has.

I am fully aware of the inequalities that still exist in ‘modern society’, and even of those that exist in our sector. But the last few weeks in particular have made me ponder equality even more. A female friend overlooked for a board role, another finding out she is paid significantly less than her male counterpart, my own balancing act of saving a business and homeschooling three children – has all left me thinking that I shouldn’t let this one pass me by.

So, I got researching. The most sobering statistic I discovered? According to a 2019 Linkedin study, only 12% of leaders in hospitality are female. 12 %!! Couple that with this year’s theme for IWD being ‘Women in leadership’, there has never been a better or indeed more crucial time to get more women around more hospitality tables, making decisions.

The irony is, as often is the case, around 70% of hourly paid hospitality roles are filled by women. Of course, it can be argued that there are hundreds of reasons for this – but crikey ,that 12% is a shocker. Whatever’s happening at the top, it seems that girls simply aren’t seeing hospitality as a long-term career option. They certainly aren’t being progressed at the same rate as men.

I was recently asked what advice I would give to other women at the start of their hospitality journey, those who are considering whether or not the sector could provide a viable career. This question has really played on my mind, and ultimately led to me getting a few titbits down. So here it goes gals…my thoughts.

1.     DO IT! I can’t shout that loudly enough. I have loved every second of my career in the industry. From collecting glasses, to running multi-million-pound turnover bars, to making the move to ‘head office’ and going on to start my own business – I feel fulfilled that I’ve worked to earn my opportunities. I’ve met the BEST people, travelled the world, developed myself and learnt a shitload. Oh, and I’ve done it all whilst having an absolute ball.

2.     MAKE GOOD EMPLOYER CHOICES. Though I can’t claim that I had a career meticulously planned when taking on my glass collecting job, I did manage stumble into an amazing company. As far as I saw it, I rode the Revolution wave straight to the top. My tip would be to look for a growing operator with clear lines of progression, who can show they invest in training and development. Choose a company that’s going places and promotes a strong people culture.

3.     SAY YES TO OPPORTUNITY. In my early career ‘yes’ was all about relocation. I moved around the northern cities like a woman on the run, knowing that each time I was moving up the ladder. ‘Yes’ now tends to involve clients requesting something that’s totally out of the box - my answer? “Of course we can!”. Yes, it might then involve a lot of furious planning to work out how, but we always deliver. Why turn down a chance to show what you can do?

4.     BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. This is a biggy. I don’t think my success is down to working harder, or being more talented. The real secret is I try to never doubt whether I could do something. If I’m challenged - professionally or personally - I have a belief that I can do it. One question to always consider - what’s the worst that can happen?

5.     DON’T TAKE NOTES. In a workplace setting dominated by male peers, it can sometimes be easy to slip into a ‘caretaker’ role, . Of course, not all women have this problem, though it’s something a lot of people I know have reported naturally falling into. Things like making the tea, cleaning up, taking the notes. Don’t do it. Take your turn, yes. But don’t be the one to always do it - you’re a colleague and an equal.

6.     SLEEP ON IT. It’s only as I reach my forties that my ‘inner chimp’ has been benched. What’s that, you ask? Reactive (read: arsey) emails. Jumping to conclusions. Retaliating to presumptions. I may still have the same initial thoughts when someone irritates me, but now, I sleep on it. More often than not, in the morning I find it wasn’t all that irritating to begin with! With an added bonus of no regretful interactions.

7.     KIDS. I have 3 kids. After I had them, I was better than ever before at conducting literally any task. More driven, more determined, not scared of hard work. Don’t let anyone tell you any different. And don’t ever think that because you have/plan to have kids that you’re any less of an asset to an employer. Honestly, kids just make you even more badass.

8.     DON’T BURN BRIDGES. Key to remember - hospitality is a small industry. Colleagues become friends, friends become lovers. Workmates become bosses, bosses become direct reports. Peers become candidates, candidates become clients. You see my point. Be cool, be kind. It’ll serve you well.

 I’m sure there are a million more things. But 8 on the 8th is where I’m finishing up.

To all the women in hospitality right now, stay strong. Stay with the sector. A shitty year it has been indeed, but the good times are coming - I just know it.

And to all the future female leaders of hospitality considering developing a career from their part-time serving job because they absolutely love it. Go on - do it.

We need you at the table.