Harri in Public Sector Catering: Survey finds hospitality workers want more flexibility & appreciation

Front-line teams in hospitality are feeling under increased pressure as the sector emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, with industry staff shortages a major contributor. As a result, many workers have become less satisfied with their jobs with nearly half (45%) saying their employment is less appealing now than it was previously.

Unsociable hours (cited by 54%), increased workload (49%) and pay not matching the job (47%) were the top reasons given by employees to explain current staff shortages. Those that saw their jobs as less appealing highlighted insufficient pay rises (72%), a lack of appreciation from their employers (53%) and a decrease in tips (34%) as key reasons.

When considering accepting a job, pay (stated by 63%) and flexibility (49%) were the main deciding factors, the survey found. Almost everyone surveyed agreed that employers could make better use of technology to improve their work experience, with nine out of ten saying technology needed to improve within the workplace.

Karl Chessell, CGA’s director, hospitality operators & food, EMEA, commented: “This research provides fascinating intelligence about the attitudes of current and potential staff, and emphasises how Covid-19 has made them think much more about wellbeing, flexibility and long-term career paths.

“It also highlights the crucial role of technology in keeping staff closely engaged with their businesses and colleagues. It’s abundantly clear that as hospitality builds back and battles some fierce headwinds, businesses that can deliver good experiences for their employees will have a huge advantage.”

You can download the report here.