Causes and Possible Solutions for the High Staff Turnover Rate in the Catering Sector

The catering sector in Spain is experiencing a period of steady growth. According to the Informa DBK Sector Observatory report, its sales increased by 8.8% in 2024, reaching €4.585 billion, confirming the positive trend of the last four years. However, these figures contrast with high staff turnover, which currently stands out as one of the sector’s major challenges in sustaining such positive results. 

An article by the specialist publication Bares y Tapas presents the conclusions of the Randstad Research Labour Turnover Report,  which states that the turnover rate in hospitality and catering in Spain exceeds 60%. This situation creates significant costs for businesses, both financially and through the loss of experience and service quality in a segment that is essential to the Spanish economy. 

Indeed, the latest figures presented by the Hospitality in Spain 2024 Yearbook indicate that the sector as a whole contributes 6.7% of national GDP and operates in a context of growing demand. However, it faces persistent difficulties in retaining talent and filling vacancies. Staff satisfaction is undoubtedly a key factor in addressing this challenge. 

What causes high staff turnover in catering?

Staff turnover in the catering sector is driven by multiple factors, some structural and others temporary. Various reports agree that the hospitality working environment, characterised by temporary employment, lack of training and demanding conditions, creates disaffection among sector professionals. This dissatisfaction contributes to a shortage of waiters and other professionals, including catering workers, who seek alternatives in other sectors.

1. Temporary employment and seasonality

Catering depends heavily on demand linked to specific events and campaigns. This leads businesses to favour temporary hiring. This dynamic makes it difficult for employees to establish themselves and limits opportunities for professional development.

2. Work-related stress and pay conditions 

Irregular working hours, the requirement to work weekends or public holidays, and the pressure to meet customer expectations create considerable emotional and physical strain. In addition, in many cases, catering salaries are lower than those in other fields with similar qualification requirements.

3. Lack of professional recognition

A company culture focused solely on the short term, without opportunities for participation and growth, together with the absence of inspiring leadership, negatively affects staff satisfaction and motivation, thereby increasing turnover.

4. Limited training and development opportunities

The lack of internal promotion pathways means that many employees see the sector as a career option with no prospects for growth. This affects loyalty and long-term commitment.

5. Insufficient work-life balance and wellbeing measures

The difficulty of balancing work and personal life, along with the absence of programmes that ensure worker safety and physical wellbeing, such as the provision of suitable protective equipment, increases the risk of employees leaving their jobs.

How to reduce staff turnover in the sector: the importance of job satisfaction

There is no doubt that in order to promote talent retention in hospitality, and catering in particular, and encourage professionals’ commitment, it is essential to enhance their job satisfaction. Companies that invest in improving the workplace atmosphere achieve more productive and motivated teams, which has an impact on service quality and business profitability.

1. Promote flexibility

Optimising schedules and implementing shift systems that make it possible to balance personal and professional life is one of the measures most valued by employees. Strategic working-time planning helps reduce strain and improve team morale. 

2. Clear training and professional development proposals

Providing genuine opportunities for ongoing training and internal promotion builds loyalty. Teams that grow professionally within the company show greater commitment and less intention of leaving their positions.

3. Recognition at work

Approachable leadership that acknowledges achievements and encourages autonomy and participation in decision-making strengthens the sense of belonging and improves the work environment.

4. PPE and professional footwear

Ensuring staff safety and physical wellbeing is another essential element. Providing high-quality protective equipment and, specifically, suitable professional shoes helps reduce injuries, fatigue and discomfort arising from work in kitchens and front-of-house areas. 

In catering, where long hours standing up and working on wet or slippery surfaces are common, comfortable footwear with a slip-resistant sole helps workers feel protected and valued. This care reduces absenteeism and results in fewer accidents and, therefore, a higher level of job satisfaction.

5. Encourage teamwork

Creating spaces for interaction, participation and recognition of individual and collective achievements strengthens team cohesion and increases job satisfaction. An environment where effort is rewarded and ideas are valued promotes talent retention and a sense of belonging.

Investing in the wellbeing of the catering team is essential, and providing suitable footwear for professionals increases satisfaction and reduces staff turnover. At Shoes For Crews, we have a wide range of footwear with the features your workers need. Contact us and we will help you choose the most suitable models.