The UK’s descent into a double-dip recession in the first quarter of 2012 put a furrow on the brow of many business leaders across the hospitality industry. While most sectors were left reeling though, hoteliers were able to breathe a partial sigh of relief, according to the Hospitality Employment Index (HEI) report 2012, produced by People1st, in partnership with Caterer.com.
Even though the HEI indicated that hotel job ads were up compared to the same time in 2011, there were strong indications that businesses need to invest in their future by finding ways of increasing employee retention.Compared to the same quarter last year, the number of ads for hotel-related posts rose from 16,780 to 17,734 — a five percent increase. And although hospitality recruitment is going up, there’s still a general sense that 2012 was a year of consolidation, where employers put a hold on any expansion plans, opting for caution until the economic outlook becomes clearer.
The HEI report identified two major ways of ensuring employee retention: choosing the right person for the right job; and investing in staff by offering training and development. These are the ways companies can enable their staff to reach and surpass the levels of excellence they set out.
“Hospitality is an industry that is dependent on good people and we encourage businesses to seek out and train talent as soon as possible,” said Ian Burke, Director of Caterer.com. “The impact of doing nothing could see a struggle to deliver excellence when a good impression is key for future tourism. Businesses are recognising the benefits associated with engaging employees and enhancing their experience through training and development.”
For more future trends, read the full HEI report at Caterer.com, leading specialist catering and hospitality recruitment site.
For more information on the caterer.com recruitment site, contact:
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57 Rathbone Place
London, UK
Zip: W1T 1JU
Telephone: 0808 000 2000
Email: customer.support@caterer.com
