Working with an apron and a smile - what the 1st May means for the hotel and catering industry’

The 1st of May. For many, it means sleeping in, having brunch, maybe going for a walk - and above all, not thinking about work. For us in the hotel and catering industry, it means full tables and a full programme. While others put their feet up, we get going :).

Waiters with a permanent smile, chefs with timing like Swiss watches and receptionists who remain friendly even after the fifth ‘Do you have a free room?’ - we give our all. Not because we have to. But because we can. And most of the time because we love it. Because let's be honest: anyone who works in this industry doesn't just do it for the pay cheque. It's because it's somehow in your blood. Being a host is more than just a job. It's a mixture of talent for improvisation, knowledge of human nature and the ability to lovingly decorate the tiramisu amidst even the biggest rush.

Of course, officially, the 1st of May is ‘Labour Day’. For us, it's more of a ‘day of overtime, but in style’. Nevertheless - or precisely because of this - it is important. Because it reminds us of what we actually do every day. Without us, there would be no fresh croissants at the breakfast buffet, no cappuccino with a milk foam heart and no evening with candlelight and good wine.

There are no boring run-of-the-mill days in our industry. Every day is different - sometimes things run like clockwork, sometimes like raw eggs. But that's what makes it special. We're problem solvers, entertainers, comforters - and sometimes we're just quick with the tray. So yes: the 1st of May is a day for us to be proud of. Of what we do. And of how we do it - with humour, heart and a dash of chaos.

May the coffee be strong, the guests nice and your shift end on time.
This text was created thanks to many discussions and surveys with St. Johann businesses:
https://www.josalzburg.com/ :).

photo credits: JO Salzburg