Research has revealed that male staff believe offering workplace wellbeing and mental health support is ‘the single most important factor’ for improving recruitment in the industry.
More than 250 people in senior positions within the industry took part in the research, alongside a study of more than 1,000 members of the public. It found that male managers championed mental health ahead of offering higher wages and the engagement of parents, schools and Government-sponsored apprenticeships.
Female managers and business owners placed emphasis on the role of popular culture and the media – calling for greater visibility of progression opportunities and career prestige.
The research found that 97% of managers currently working in hospitality admit that there are barriers limiting the number of UK people pursuing paths in the field. Nearly half (43%) cite high stress levels as a key barrier to engaging and retaining workers.
Public opinion backs this up, with more than one in four (28%) members of the public identifying perceptions around stress in the workplace as being a barrier limiting the number of people pursuing roles in hospitality.
The research was commissioned to provide recommendations for how the sector can boost recruitment and retention to ensure its survival in a post Brexit Britain.
The findings are outlined in a new industry report, Preserving the ‘Art of Hospitality’: Championing the Industry for Post-Brexit Survival, released by High Speed Training.
Dr. Richard Anderson, head of learning & development at High Speed Training, said: “It’s fascinating to see the importance placed on stress management and mental health support as a means of improving staff recruitment and retention from those within management positions in the sector. This is particularly true among men. Male toxicity has traditionally plagued the industry and it’s clear that this is something that business leaders are keen to address from within.
“The need for positive role models as championed by female respondents also suggests a desire to showcase the many routes to success and personalities that can thrive in this rewarding industry.”
The report can be accessed at: www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/the-art-of-hospitality-report/