The evidence is clear. The hospitality industry is a major driver of the U.S. economy. The hospitality industry contributes nearly $600 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product, accounts for 1 in 25 U.S. jobs and approximately $97 billion in annual wage and salary income, according to a report by the American Hotel and Lodging Association. I am.
Additionally, the hospitality industry is uniquely positioned to see significant growth over the next five years. The U.S. hospitality market size is estimated at $235.96 billion in 2024 and is projected to potentially reach $299.29 billion by 2029, according to data from Mordor Intelligence.
However, the continued growth of the hospitality industry relies on a stable and dedicated workforce. Ensuring the industry’s continued growth trajectory will require a workforce that is not only experts in a variety of subjects, but also possesses the soft skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity that are essential to hospitality. means to secure. Here are some ways to support the hospitality industry workforce of the future.
Highlight the availability of high-paying hospitality jobs
A common misconception about hospitality is that these roles are poorly paid or lack career advancement opportunities. This is not true. In fact, research shows that average wages in the hospitality industry have increased by almost 30% since 2021, outpacing wage growth in the nation’s highest-paying sectors. There are also many opportunities to advance in the hospitality field.
However, this misunderstanding can create a rift between the industry and potential young workers. Providing competitive pay and benefits, strong career path examples, and redefining workplace culture are the first steps to making these roles more attractive.
Build professional development opportunities
Professional development is another important way to correct misperceptions about hospitality. Providing opportunities to advance your skills, such as technical training and degree support, strengthens employer-employee relationships and creates a better work environment and culture.
Developing capabilities and catering to employee curiosity increases the overall stability of your workforce, creating a more skilled workforce and increasing retention rates. According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends report, companies that provide talent development opportunities to their employees have 15% higher internal mobility than those that don’t. It’s simple. The more skilled your employees are, the more well-rounded they will be and the more able they will be to contribute to the success of your organization.
Many of these positions also offer the flexibility that students and young professionals are looking for in their careers. This allows employees to attend classes or pursue other interests while working, creating a more well-rounded workforce in the long run. By highlighting the welcoming nature of the role and incorporating more opportunities for career advancement, we will encourage more young people to consider a career in hospitality in the future.
However, higher wages and support for career advancement are not enough. Hospitality industry professionals should also take steps to share this information with the public. Speaking on college campuses, hosting recruitment fairs, and creating up-to-date, engaging communication materials are some of the ways you can accomplish this.
Maintaining open lines of communication and ensuring benefits and resources are on par with employee expectations and industry standards can make a big difference in the public perception of a career in hospitality.
Highlighting diverse opportunities in hospitality
There are many unique and dynamic careers in the hospitality industry. From hotel management and event planning to culinary arts and facility management to marketing and computer programming, the hospitality industry offers exciting opportunities and developments far beyond what most people think of as hospitality jobs. I will.
By effectively communicating the diversity of these positions, you can attract more applicants. Career Connect is a digital platform that connects K-12 classrooms with professionals from a variety of industries, demystifying the hospitality industry for young students by showcasing the many careers it has to offer. Students connect with professionals and explore a wide range of career opportunities across many industries, including hospitality.
Access to career experts and exposure to the variety of jobs on offer in the hospitality industry can inspire young talent to join the industry. The hospitality industry needs to take advantage of its unique breadth of jobs and connect with students early on, showing them the different career paths available.
Build networks with future employees early
As the industry changes, hospitality professionals must strive to foster closer relationships with the next generation of employees.
Increasing internship and mentorship programs can bridge the gap between students and professionals and give students workforce experience that increases employability. Workshops and seminars led by industry experts can provide students with practical experience and insight into new aspects of hospitality and prepare them for success in an ever-evolving industry landscape. Additionally, students will be able to bring unique insights and skills into the workforce that will help further strengthen and transform hospitality.
Highlighting the variety of positions available has the added bonus of highlighting career trajectories and possibilities in general. It’s hard to conceptualize what a career could be like when an industry feels abstract. Being able to work face-to-face, ask questions, and interact with industry experts is just the first step to finding an interesting position for many. Just knowing about opportunities can often be the catalyst for career decisions.
It may seem simple, but one of the best ways to attract new young talent to the hospitality industry is to actively listen to them and speak directly to them.
By investing in the next generation of hospitality professionals, we can ensure a strong future for our industry.
