The Split-Second Decisions That Define Your Culture
The Split-Second Decisions That Define Your Culture
It’s a Friday night. You’re short one server, the kitchen’s behind, and the bar is full. A table’s getting a bit too comfortable with one of your servers, making comments that are just on the edge. She laughs it off and keeps moving.
Later, in the kitchen, a cook takes a joke a step too far with one of the hostesses. A couple people notice. Someone chuckles. No one calls it out.
You see it – or maybe you hear about it after – and in the moment, you make a call: say something or let it go and keep service moving. Nothing gets written up. No one files a complaint. But your team notices what happens next – or what doesn’t. That’s how workplace culture is built in restaurants; through split-second decisions about what gets addressed and what gets ignored.
The Reality of the Industry
This situation isn’t unique. In restaurant environments, harassment and violence are a ‘known risk’ of the job rather than a preventable hazard
A national Canadian study on sexual harassment in hospitality found that:
- 56% of workers have experienced at least one form of sexual harassment or violence in their workplace
- 36% have experienced unwelcome sexual teasing, jokes, comments or questions
- Less than 1 in 7 believe that reporting instances of harassment or violence will make their situation better
In restaurant settings, these risks are often amplified by alcohol, late hours, and the power dynamics of tipping. For many, a restaurant is their first-ever job. What they experience at your establishment shapes their understanding of what is “acceptable” at work – for better or worse.
A Unique Opportunity for Leaders
Creating a respectful, safe workplace doesn’t happen by accident. It requires clear expectations, consistent leadership, and the confidence to address issues the moment they arise.
To help our members bridge this gap, Service Hospitality is proud to support an upcoming event with SASS on Monday, May 11, 2026:
Setting the Leadership Standard: Work Culture as a Managed Asset
This full-day leadership event will cover:
- Jackson Katz Internationally respected educator and author, providing dedicated training for male leaders on bystander intervention.
- Cadmus Delorme: Practical, solutions-focused conversations on truth, reconciliation and accountable workplace culture.
- The Tools for Change: Language and strategies to to actively shape your workplace culture and prevent harassment before it starts.
Secure Your Spot
This event is expected to sell out quickly. To support our industry leaders, we have a limited number of sponsored tickets ($57.85 value each) available for our members to attend, on a first-come, first-served bases .
To claim your ticket and join us at the Conexus Arts Centre, please contact us to secure your ticket
This is more than just a seat at an event – it’s an opportunity to gain the leadership tools necessary to set the standard for safety and respect in your workplace. Don’t miss out on bringing this expertise back to your team.
