Work in the catering sector requires competence, commitment and caring

26 May is the second Thank a Catering Sector Professional Day. Catering sector professionals value gestures of appreciation, but what they hope most are concrete improvements in their daily work. The work is physically heavy, and the working conditions are demanding, so essentials of the work must be properly arranged.

Thank a Catering Sector Professional Day was celebrated for the first time last year, and it attracted a huge amount of positive attention and gave rise to important discussions about the significance of this sector. In many workplaces, catering sector professionals were thanked with coffee and small shared breaks in the daily work. The most important thing was showing genuine appreciation of these professionals. Even a small recognition meant a lot for many people working in the catering sector – it reminded them that their work is important and has significance.

Public services are the foundation of our society

School meals, hospital meals and meal services for older people are often taken for granted, but actually public catering services are one of the most significant accomplishments of the Finnish welfare society and an effective way to promote health, gender equality, and equal opportunities.

Public meals support learning, rehabilitation, maintaining functional ability, and quality of life. They are about much more than food.

Proposed in-house law threatens the quality and functionality of food services

A proposal of a new in-house law raises justified concerns in food services. The change in legislation would limit municipalities’ ability to organise food services flexibly and cost-efficiently.

Particularly small municipalities could end up in difficulties if their own service production cannot continue or has to be reorganised. Increased outsourcing can increase costs, reduce quality and complicate long-term development work. Food services are not simply a matter of procurement. They affect directly well-being, security of supply and vitality of communities. Therefore, the proposed legislation should not be put into effect in its current form.

Growing concern for school meals of adolescents

Catering sector professionals are also worried for the fact that more and more adolescents don’t eat school meals at all. This reflects directly on their energy levels, health, and ability to concentrate at school.

School meals are a nutritionally planned part of the school day, and for many the only hot meal during the day. Catering sector professionals demand action that increases appreciation of school meals: listening to the young people, developing the services and actively raising awareness of the significance of school meals for well-being. The meal should be an educational and pedagogical moment – and enough time must be allowed for it. The recommendation is at least 30 minutes.

An investment that pays off

Public sector food services are not just an expense – they are a long-term investment. They bring savings in future health care costs, support domestic food production and ensure nourishing and safe food also for those who are in the most vulnerable position.

Words must be matched by action

Catering sector professionals value gestures of appreciation, but what they hope the most are concrete improvements in their daily work. The work is physically heavy, and the working conditions are demanding, so essentials of the work must be properly arranged.

One of the essential requirements concerns work clothing and work shoes. They must be safe, not broken, and fit for the purpose. In the catering sector, work clothing and work shoes are an essential part of occupational safety and health, hygiene, and well-being at work. It is not reasonable that low-paid employees have to buy or replace them at their own cost.

Washing policies of work clothes need updating as well. The current monthly compensation of 5–10 euros does not cover the real costs because work clothes are washed several times a week. The costs of electricity, water and detergents need to be considered, and the employer has to take the responsibility for the washing, either by paying a proper compensation or by organising a laundry service.

A thank you does not cost anything

Professionals can be thanked with a word, a smile, or a shared coffee break. Appreciation can also be expressed through actions in everyday work: listening, providing good working conditions and showing understanding of the demanding nature of the work. Thank a Catering Sector Professional Day is going to become a permanent tradition – not just for one day in a year but as an attitude that is seen in everyday work.

Thank you, all catering sector professionals! You do work that supports people’s day-to-day life, affects well-being and has an impact far into the future.