Chefs can work at restaurants, grocery stores, specialty food stores, residential care facilities, schools, hospitals, private households, or catering companies. They may be employed on ships, or at lodges or resorts. Though their work locations may vary, the work environments of chefs share many characteristics.

Long Hours

While some chefs work conventional hours, many do not. Chefs who work in fine-dining restaurants, as well as head chefs and sous chefs, typically arrive at work before the restaurant opens and leave work well after it closes for the night. Work hours for chefs may include holidays and weekends as well.

Fast Pace

In a typical restaurant setting, chefs must prepare food for diners very quickly. Chefs are under constant pressure to cook high-quality food quickly while adhering to safety and sanitation procedures. At particularly busy times, chefs must juggle numerous orders at once and still prepare delicious food for each customer.

Physically Demanding

Chefs are on their feet for nearly the entire work day. They lift heavy objects routinely and are constantly exposed to hot ovens and grills. There are several hazards involved with being a chef, including cuts, slips, falls, and burns, but injuries incurred in the line of duty are typically minor.

Socially Demanding

Chefs work in close quarters with the rest of the kitchen staff every day. They must be able to communicate quickly and efficiently with each other. As with any team work environment, tasks runs more smoothly and work is more enjoyable when the members of the team get along with each other. Additionally, chefs working at a fine-dining restaurant may be asked to interact with the diners. Social competence is a natural skill for most chefs.