To Örebro University

This bachelor's thesis investigates how kitchen staff perceive communication shape the working climate in restaurant kitchens, particularly during fluctuating workloads. The study is based on six semi-structured interviews with professional chefs from two distinct workplaces. By analyzing the participants’ accounts, recurring patterns and shared experiences were identified. The findings indicate that open communication, regular feedback, and present leadership contribute to a sense of safety and cohesion within the team. In contrast, silence, vague expectations, and lack of recognition contribute to frustration, insecurity, and unresolved tensions. The study also reveals how past experiences influence communication styles and approaches to challenges. Consistent with previous research, the findings underscore the importance of trust, respect, and relational competence in cultivating a sustainable work environment within high-pressure kitchen cultures.