12 Standout Initiatives from CODE Hospitality’s Happiest Places to Work

Every year, when we gather around the judging table to select the winners of CODE Hospitality’s Happiest Places to Work, in partnership with Planday and supported by URocked, we’re struck by the ingenuity of the businesses that enter. Even in this tough economic climate, employers are choosing to invest in their people, getting creative on a limited budget to offer perks and benefits that are impactful, relevant and meaningful. If there’s one overarching theme this year, it’s choice. Choice of shift patterns, training, socials, perks and benefits. Right now, employees want to feel secure, supported, and, above all, seen. Here’s what’s trending in workplace welfare.

Free period products at Café Deco

It doesn’t require a huge outlay but this gesture—offered by both Café Deco, a small independent, and JKS Restaurants, a large group—reassures employees who require period products that they won’t be caught short on shift. This initiative reflects wider focus on women’s health. JKS Restaurants offers awareness training on menstrual conditions including endometriosis and PCOS, while Café Deco, highlights flexible scheduling for those undergoing IVF or egg freezing.

Alcohol-free socialising at Chuku’s

It’s not just guests cutting back or abstaining—staff are too. Many entrants stressed the value of socials where everyone feels included, regardless of age, gender, or culture. That might mean alcohol-free socialising such as at Chuku’s in Tottenham, where activities range from bowling to karaoke and paintballing. After work or at staff parties, offering no- and low-alcohol options without judgement ensures everyone feels welcome.

Getting into the great outdoors at Nell’s

Nell’s NY-style pizzeria in Manchester launched its twice-yearly Hospitality Hike in 2022, after the team requested alternatives to alcohol-fuelled socials (see above). It’s open to Nell’s team and fellow hospitality folk and is supported by a local organisation experienced in running safe, well managed hikes. It reflects a move towards sober, active socials: Engage Hospitality runs monthly football and fitness classes; Fairgame has biweekly basketball and volleyball games; and overall winner Bubala has a running club.

In-house masterclasses at Spring

Bringing in external trainers can be costly—and isn’t always needed when expertise exists in-house. At Spring in London, the ‘Masterclass Series’ runs twice monthly on a variety of topics ranging from butchery, and knife-sharpening to Korean cooking and fermentation. The sessions are popular and serve the dual function of celebrating individual team members’ passions while sharing valuable skills across the team.

‘Homework club’ at Kiki Lounge

‘Homework club’ at Kiki Lounge in Douglas, is an informal element of the bar’s comprehensive in-house training programme. Staff are encouraged to share articles, podcasts or book excerpts, ahead of a group discussion, to inspire debate and encourage critical thinking. In a similar vein, Nell’s and Bubala run book clubs.

Town hall meetings at Thesleff Group

Thesleff Group introduced quarterly company-wide “town hall” meetings after the requested more open communication from above. Attended by company founder Markus Thesleff, the sessions keep employees abreast of business plans, growth, and ambitions. The team values the two-way dialogue with leadership—and vice versa.

Free English lessons at Georgian House Hotel

For many UK hospitality workers, English isn’t a first language. Finding time and money for lessons out of hours can be tough. Georgian House Hotel tackles this by offering free tuition during paid hours, easing stress and fostering inclusivity. The hotel views it as an investment in the team’s development and confidence. Average length of service at the hotel currently sits at 4.2 years, so they’re clearly doing something right.

Wellness Rewards at JKS Restaurants

JKS Restaurants introduced YuLife, an employee benefits app to support physical and mental health and wellbeing. One feature of the app is YuCoin: teams earn YuCoin by, for example, tracking steps, cycling to work, and completing workouts, guided meditation and Sudoku puzzles. Teams can trade their YuCoin for vouchers for shops such as Amazon, ASOS, Sainsbury’s and Odeon.

Support for the ‘side hustle’ at Dough Hands

Not all hospitality employees are in it for the long haul— balance studies, side hustles, passions, and other careers. Dough Hands offers flexible schedules and even lends equipment so employees can host their own pizza pop-ups. At Afrizi in Basingstoke, staff receive adaptable schedules and time off for exams, with those studying media and journalism, for example, invited to contribute to social media and newsletters—aligning work with career goals.

Peer-voted MAD awards at Anglian Country Inns

While some businesses reward hitting targets and achieving KPIs, others focus on values, teamwork and—the sine qua non of hospitality—going ‘above and beyond’. Anglian Country Inns’ MAD (‘Made a Difference’) awards are, significantly, voted by peers. The winners, announced at the annual team party, win a two-day overseas trip.

Competitions and Cook-Offs Ardent Pubs

Chefs and bartenders of every level feel immense pride when something they’ve created makes it onto the menu. At Ardent Pubs, they hold cocktail competitions and cook-offs to reward and inspire creativity.

Safe Late Night Travel at Fairgame

Night safety is one of the most pressing issues in hospitality. Fairgame takes a multi-pronged approach: managers on closing shifts receive paid taxi homes; all staff receive time and half for hours worked after midnight to help cover safe travel; and Thai boxing classes are offered twice-yearly to teach practical self-defense skills.