Our LOCA Manifesto also focuses on the conditions of the people who create the great gastronomic experiences in our restaurants and canteens every day. They are the ones who create the atmosphere, flavor, and joy. They are the heart of what we do. Therefore, having the right people is absolutely crucial for our business, and we must take good care of them – now more than ever.

The restaurant industry globally is facing a historically significant shortage of hands, both on the floor and in the kitchen. Recruitment issues pose a tremendous problem for the entire industry, but unlike many other challenges in these times, we can’t blame it solely on the pandemic. When it comes to staff shortages, the industry itself has contributed to the situation we find ourselves in. If we, as an industry, want to attract and retain the right people, it requires that we collectively address outdated traditions and cultures that drive people away from our profession.

With our Manifesto, we aim to lead the way and contribute to the fight against poor work culture, lack of diversity, and inequality – from farm to well-set table.

The above is not just something we say. We mean it – and we act upon it. We have initiated long-term further education programs for several of our employees. We have conducted well-being surveys for our entire staff, and in connection with WHO’s Mental Health Day in October, we have workshops on mental health across our businesses.

Furthermore, we are now working to unite our colleagues in the industry to collectively create better wages, education, and working conditions for employees. Everyone is facing labor shortages, and therefore, together, we must make the restaurant industry a place where people want to come, be in, and stay.