A major survey of hospitality workers in Australia has found some striking results, highlighted by more than half unsure about their employment in the coming year.
The Feel Good Index and Salary Guide – 2021, conducted by Frontline Recruitment, included more than 1000 candidates, tracking both salaries (below) and what is most important to workers in hospitality across Australia and New Zealand.
The study provides significant insights into how hospitality employers can better attract and retain talent in the climate of staff shortages.
The COVID pandemic has brought about major shifts in how people live and work, and this is seen in the preferences of hospitality candidates, who ranked as their #1 priority ‘the ability to act autonomously and make decisions’.
This was followed by both the equally important factors of ‘opportunity to learn and develop my skill set’ and ‘the leadership and management style of my manager’.
Interestingly, additional perks and benefits ranked at the bottom, as the least important ‘feel good factor’.
In an industry fraught with high staff turnover, 20 per cent of respondents say they will be leaving their existing employer within the year, and another 39 per cent are uncertain where they’ll be working in the next 12 months. Only 41 per cent said they are likely to stay with their existing employer.
Staff availability has been heavily impacted by State border closures and the lack of international travel. This has been felt hardest in regional and junior roles. Comparably, the greatest growth has been in cafes and quick service restaurants, and this is expected to continue to push salaries higher.
“Our data tells us what is really happening in the hospitality recruitment market,” offers Frontline Recruitment GM Melissa Moseley.
“We’ve seen that the market across Australia and New Zealand has continued to be short in candidates, but big in opportunities.
“Despite the challenges from COVID-19, we are optimistic about the future, as we recognise the skill shortages and how to fill them.”
Frontline Recruitment has rolled out a rejuvenated brand image it says better reflects the business and its people today, following acquisition by Express Employment Professionals in 2020.
