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Hospitality jobs including chefs, waiters and bartenders are among the professions considered by customers to be ‘most intimidating’, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 UK adults by Fletchers Solicitors has revealed that 68% of Brits rate hospitality as the most intimidating profession.
Financial services professionals such as accountants and bookkeepers follow in second place with 64% of votes. Tradespeople including builders, plumbers and electricians rank third with 59%.
More than half (55%) of those surveyed were apprehensive towards telecommunications and IT workers, such as helpdesk and call centre advisors.
However, the research also revealed that 73% of Brits feel healthcare workers including doctors and nurses are the ‘most likeable’ professionals, suggesting a good bedside manner goes a long way.
69% of Brits agree that teachers and education staff are also likeable professions, while emergency services workers such as fire fighters, paramedics and police officers rank third at 64%. Legal professionals are in fourth place with 62% of votes.
Alex Kenny, marketing director of Fletchers Solicitors, said: “It’s surprising to see that such a customer-facing profession such as the hospitality trade is the most feared amongst the British public.
“Perhaps those who work in industries that provide care and support, such as health and education, could teach others how to improve their delivery and customer handling skills?
“We regularly see the likes of [multi-Michelin starred chef] Gordon Ramsay and his fiery temper on TV, and it seems indicative of a wider trend across the industry.
“When selling a product or service, there must be a general level of approachability between provider and client – and the customer should feel at ease.
“An anxious or stressed client can also lead to miscommunications and even in some cases problems, such as medical negligence.”
- Hospitality (chefs, waiting staff, bartenders) – 68%
- Financial services (accountants, bookkeepers) – 64%
- Trades (construction, electrical, plumbing) – 59%
- IT & Telecommunications (call centre workers) – 55%
- Transport (rail workers, airline staff) – 53%
UK’s Most Liked Professions
- Healthcare (doctors, nurses) – 73%
- Education (teachers, lecturers) – 69%
- Emergency services (police, fire service) – 64%
- Legal (lawyers, barristers) – 62%
- Marketing – 60%
