With two-thirds of hospitality works planning on quitting their jobs in the near-future, but what can be done ahead of Brexit to retain employees?
Invest in your staff in order to retain them is the clear message to employers in the hospitality industry in light of new research from Caterer.com. A survey of 21,000 global hospitality workers released today reveals that two thirds (65 per cent) of hospitality workers plan on quitting their jobs in the near future. Worryingly, over half of those workers (59 per cent) plan on moving in the next six months.
The research explored the key attributes which tempt hospitality workers to explore new pastures. Findings demonstrate that career progression is the most important factor (16 per cent) showing employees want long term prospects within a company. Surprisingly, salary (14 per cent) came in second, followed closely by training & development (13 per cent) – showing staff want to feel invested in by their employers.
“The industry is facing increased staffing and recruitment pressures due in part to uncertainty ahead of Brexit.”
The hospitality sector is big business and the UK’s third biggest employer[1], providing jobs to 2.9 million people (7 per cent of the working population). The industry is facing increased staffing and recruitment pressures due in part to uncertainty ahead of Brexit.
Highlighting the importance of the survey’s findings, Neil Pattison, Director from Caterer.com said, “The hospitality employers who show career progression opportunities will find it easier to attract new employees and retain current staff. With hospitality looking to be one of the hardest sectors hit post-Brexit, it’s fascinating to reflect on the clear call from workers for investment in their future. With 65 per cent of respondents saying that they plan to quit their job in the near future and high competition among employers, investing in your staff will help to alleviate the lure of a role from elsewhere.”
The survey of over 21,000 hospitality workers from across the globe highlights the importance of employment progression for retaining staff in what can often feel like a seasonal or transient industry.
The fast-paced nature of hospitality is a key draw for 12 per cent of workers, while teamwork ranked highly for 14 per cent of those surveyed.
The sector has seen a reduction in apprenticeships since the Apprenticeship Levy was introduced in 2017 with a low uptake from small businesses and in turn, less opportunities have been available for young people to enter the industry. The Autumn Statement saw the chancellor announce that the Government will half the amount small businesses have to contribute from 10 per cent to 5 per cent when taking on apprentices. – a move hoped to increase industry apprenticeships and on the job training.
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