Why is “People Sustainability” even more important now.

Published 17.03.2025 - Michael A. Di Palma

People Sustainability: The Foundation for Everything Else

There’s no denying it—April is going to be tough for operators. Business rates relief is reducing, National Insurance Contributions are increasing, The National Living Wage is increasing, the cost of goods is climbing, and every business will be looking for ways to cut costs and stay afloat. But while we’re feeling the pressure as operators, let’s not forget—our teams are feeling it too.

The same financial strain hitting businesses is also hitting the people who work in them. Their rents are going up, their food bills are higher, their transport costs are rising. Stress levels are going to skyrocket across the board. And that’s exactly why we can’t afford to lose focus on People Sustainability.

Because if we don’t take care of our teams—if we ignore their well-being, push them harder, or expect them to carry the weight of these challenges alone—everything else will suffer. Overworked, stressed-out teams won’t deliver great service. High turnover will drive up costs even more. Guests will feel the strain in their experience. And suddenly, sustainability in climate, energy, food, and business becomes even harder to achieve.

The reality is, we’re all in this together. “People Sustainability” isn’t just about wages—it’s about how we support each other through tough times. It’s about fair schedules, open communication, and creating an environment where people feel valued and secure, even when things are uncertain.

If we approach this the right way— as a team, as a business, as an industry— we can come out stronger. Because sustainability isn’t just about cutting costs, making operations leaner or picking the best way to separate glass from cardboard. It starts with people. And when we take care of our people, everything else becomes possible.

So the real question we must ask ourselves is: Why must we work together to ensure “People Sustainability” is at the core of how we navigate what’s coming?