The Landmark London pilots four-day working week for its chefs

Five star hotel The Landmark London is introducing a scheme whereby its chefs will work a four-day week with increased pay, in a bit to increase staff wellbeing within the business

The idea was thought-up by executive head chef Gary Klaner, concerned with his team's work-life balance and by a desire to make the working environment more attractive.

The move aligns with a £10 million investment in the hotel's facilities, from new kitchens, to back-of-house areas and staff areas, with the addition of a restaurant for team members to eat in, with open-plan kitchens and a designated team.

What's more, the hotel is launching a new academy, where programmes will help them build on their practical, managerial and theoretical skills.

Nicola Forshaw, the hotel's group director of human resources, said: “We are delighted to be leading the way in changing chef working patterns by offering a four-day working week. 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.”

Executive chef Gary Klaner said: “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.” 

“It shows The Landmark London’s serious investment in our employees and the commitment to providing a healthy work-life balance for them.”

The scheme will start in The Landmark London’s Winter Garden Restaurant, and will be extended to the Great Central Bar and the Hub, depending on its success.