Does Your Pub Suffer from Snow Blindness?
Introduction
Snow blindness is a painful condition caused by overexposure to UV rays, often from sunlight reflecting off snow or ice. This intense light can lead to temporary vision impairment as the UV rays “burn” the cornea.
Just as snow blindness impairs vision due to intense glare, “staff snow blindness” in pubs causes employees to overlook everyday issues like dirt, clutter, and outdated posters. Over time, this lack of fresh perspective can impact a pub’s atmosphere, making it appear uninviting or poorly maintained. Here’s how to spot and tackle these details to keep your venue welcoming and sharp.
What Causes Staff Snow Blindness?
Routine breeds familiarity, and over time, staff can lose sight of issues that accumulate gradually. Just as staring at bright snow dulls our vision, repeated exposure to the same environment can cause staff to miss the very details customers notice immediately. This “blindness” can impact customer impressions, affect cleanliness standards, and ultimately influence the pub’s reputation.
Preventing Staff Snow Blindness: Practical Strategies
- Regular Audits and Walkthroughs
Set up regular “fresh eye” audits, where a manager or a designated staff member assesses the venue with a guest’s perspective. Routine checklists covering cleanliness, signage, and atmosphere can keep standards high. - Rotate Responsibilities
Having different staff members review specific areas of the pub each week brings in fresh perspectives. A staff member responsible for the bar area one week could focus on the outdoor seating the next, helping to notice details that might otherwise be overlooked. - Encourage Honest Feedback
Create an open environment where staff feel comfortable pointing out improvements, no matter how minor. Empowering them to speak up reinforces their investment in the pub’s appearance and atmosphere. - Customer Feedback and Mystery Guests
Use customer feedback or mystery guests to gather an honest assessment of your pub’s appearance and experience. An external view can often pinpoint details that internal teams may have missed. Don’t have a mystery guest scheme? Click here to find out more. - Training for Visual Awareness
Incorporate training sessions on attention to detail and visual awareness, teaching staff to actively look out for changes in their surroundings. These can focus on aspects like spotting out-of-date posters or noting when displays look tired.
Final Thoughts
Just like avoiding true snow blindness, maintaining fresh eyes in a pub requires deliberate action. By actively fighting complacency and encouraging staff to remain vigilant, you can ensure that your pub is always welcoming and well-maintained, impressing regulars and new guests alike.
