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In the fast-paced world of pubs and hospitality, building a loyal and resilient team is key to thriving in a competitive environment. A strong team culture not only boosts performance but also fosters long-term commitment and job satisfaction.

At The Pub Show 2025, we heard from top publicans including Ollie Coulombeau, Steve Banks, and Tanya Wicks on how to build up your pub team and promote resiliency. Here are some proven strategies to help you create a team your staff will be proud to be part of.

1. Cultivate a Sense of Belonging and Purpose

Team loyalty starts with making every member feel valued. When employees see their contributions matter and feel connected to the business’s mission, their engagement and commitment naturally increase. Encourage open communication and recognise individual contributions regularly. Celebrate wins, big and small, to make everyone feel appreciated.

2. Communicate Clearly and Offer Strong Support

Resilience in teams comes from clarity and support, especially in high-pressure pub environments. Hold regular check-ins to understand how your team is coping and address any issues early on.

3. Invest in Career Development

Providing a pathway for growth shows staff that they have a future with the business, which is a powerful motivator to stay and perform well. Offer training, mentorship, and clear advancement paths to build loyalty and strengthen skills and expertise.

4. Prioritise Well-being and Flexibility

Burnout is common in hospitality, so it’s vital to prioritise your team’s well-being with empathy and adaptable scheduling. Listen to your team’s needs and adapt where possible to help maintain a healthy work-life balance.

5. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

When team members feel safe to express themselves, share ideas, and voice concerns, they are more engaged and willing to contribute. Foster a culture of respect and psychological safety where everyone’s voice matters.

Final Thoughts

Building loyal and resilient pub teams doesn’t happen by accident. It takes deliberate effort to nurture connection, communicate openly, invest in growth, and support well-being. The reward is a team that’s committed, motivated, and ready to tackle challenges together.

If you’re a pub manager or owner, consider how you can start implementing these strategies today to create a thriving pub culture your team will love being part of.

Want to hear more?

For the full conversation and deeper insights from the panel, head to our Pub Podcast to listen to the full recording on-demand.