Happiness in Hospitality 2022: A message from our founder Adam Hyman

This week, we launch our annual Happiness in Hospitality report. Our fourth report asks one simple question: why do you work in hospitality? Here, CODE founder Adam Hyman looks ahead.

The celebrated restaurateur and champion of all things hospitality, Will Guidara, recently wrote the following on his Instagram: ‘I often talk about how restaurants have an opportunity (perhaps even a responsibility) to create magic worlds in a world that needs more magic.’

It’s difficult to explain the magic of hospitality. We’ve all experienced it as a customer – that complimentary coffee from a friendly barista or a maitre d’ managing to squeeze you in to a bustling dinner service. We know how even the smallest gesture can make you feel. It’s often little to do with the monetary value but more that you’re made to feel special.

Very few people know what it feels like to be on the other side – to be those making others feel special and creating moments of magic. This is what working in hospitality is all about: to make people happy; to conjure up a brilliant experience while expecting nothing in return.

All of this is hard to underpin – it’s not added to CVs because it isn’t a recognised qualification. And so, as the industry continues to find ways to attract new talent – from all ages and backgrounds – let’s celebrate these hospitality magicians. The next time someone asks you what you do for work, perhaps simply answer: ‘I make people happy.’ How many other people can say that’s their job?

Happiness in Hospitality 2022 is available exclusively to CODE members via the CODE app

Don’t work in hospitality? Get in touch with our team