According to data from the Hospitality Yearbook in Spain, in 2024 the sector experienced average growth of 6% compared with the previous year, while also recording employment figures. In total, data from the Labour Force Survey (EPA) indicate that hospitality workforces grew by 95,075 people, 5.4% more than in 2023.
Despite the positive overall figures, a closer look at these numbers reveals various structural problems, many of them linked to job insecurity, professional dissatisfaction, and the challenge of generational replacement in the sector. In this regard, the report Labour Market in the Hospitality Sector 2024, prepared by Randstad, is significant, highlighting the ageing workforce: 65% of employment is held by professionals over 35, and over the last eight quarters, the group of employed people aged between 45 and 54 has outnumbered those aged between 35 and 44.
As we will see, the reasons for this situation are varied, and one of the main ones is the demanding schedules in hospitality and the difficulty of balancing family and professional life. It is advisable to implement measures to motivate employees, encouraging workplace wellbeing and attracting new talent.
Low wages, schedules, and other causes of staff shortages in hospitality
The difficulty of generational replacement is also identified as one of the sector’s main problems in Adecco’s latest Report on the Most In-Demand Profiles. The reason: working conditions are unattractive to younger people, which contributes to the shortage of waiters and other professionals in Spain. Several factors make it difficult for new talent to enter hospitality:
1. Lack of stability
The temporary nature of many contracts works against economic and job security and discourages professionals seeking stability and career prospects. This results in high staff turnover.
2. Low wages
According to the latest data published by the National Statistics Institute, corresponding to 2022, average annual pay in the sector was €16,274.71, while average earnings per worker in Spain amounted to €26,948.47. In addition to these insufficient wages, there is often no seniority or night and holiday work allowance.
3. Cost of living in locations with the highest demand
Spain’s main tourist regions have a high cost of living, and residents face significant difficulties accessing affordable housing. Many workers are forced to turn down job offers or leave these areas because of the inability to cover their basic needs with sector wages.
4. Long working hours and difficulty achieving work-life balance
Excessive working hours are a common complaint among hospitality employees. Split shifts in hospitality, a lack of breaks, and working on public holidays and weekends make it difficult to balance work and family life.
5. Emotional and psychological factors
Many jobs are perceived as requiring few qualifications, meaning they are not considered a long-term career option. In addition, circumstances such as direct contact with customers and a lack of job security negatively affect people’s emotional wellbeing and lead them to seek alternatives in other professional sectors.
What measures can be adopted to motivate hospitality workers?
The 2024 HR Study, conducted by Personio, a company specializing in the labour market, indicates that 38% of workers plan to leave their jobs in the next twelve months, and 45% would be willing to accept lower salaries in exchange for more attractive work. For almost half of respondents, work-life balance is the priority, in many cases even above salary.
These figures, which are even higher among hospitality professionals, can serve as a basis for establishing measures that increase professional satisfaction and reduce the sector’s high staff turnover and absenteeism. Let’s look at some of them.
1. Optimizing hospitality staff schedules
Schedule management that facilitates work-life balance is essential for maintaining motivation and supporting talent retention in hospitality. Long shifts and split working days cause fatigue. Adopting the following measures will help reduce workplace disillusionment:
- Establish rotating shifts and flexible work-calendar planning based on staff needs.
- Avoid excessive overtime and respect days off.
- Invest in technological tools that optimize shift management and ensure an equitable distribution of the workload.
- Set appropriate break times that allow employees to genuinely disconnect. This will help improve productivity.
2. Personalized career plan
To increase talent retention, it is important for employees to feel that they can grow within the company while improving their financial and working conditions.
A career plan offering personalized evaluations, the opportunity to rotate between work areas, and the possibility of advancing to a higher position and salary when objectives are met will increase professionals’ commitment and performance.
3. Providing workers with appropriate equipment
Employee safety and comfort are essential to their satisfaction. Providing personal protective equipment reduces the risks to which hospitality and restaurant professionals are exposed. Thermal gloves, durable aprons, and uniforms made from breathable fabrics that facilitate movement will help improve performance.
In addition, providing workers with professional footwear, breathable, well-cushioned, and featuring slip-resistant soles prevents the risk of slips and falls and supports staff comfort. The Shoes For Crews shoes for hospitality have all the necessary features to ensure staff safety and wellbeing
4. Ongoing training and support programs
Updating knowledge in areas such as customer service, the latest industry trends, and new technologies and tools to streamline work increases service quality and job satisfaction.
Likewise, in a profession requiring direct and continuous contact with customers, it is advisable to implement psychological support and employment advice programs that reduce stress and protect employees’ mental health.
5. Salary reviews and financial incentives
Low pay is one of the main causes of demotivation. Offering salary reviews based on performance and seniority or introducing financial bonuses when objectives are met or during periods when the business generates higher revenue helps motivate employees and increases the desire to stay among those most committed to the business.
Having good professional footwear is essential for maintaining staff motivation and performance in hospitality. Shoes by Shoes For Crews are designed to offer maximum protection and comfort, reducing fatigue and the risk of accidents. Discover our extensive catalogue, which will adapt to your employees’ needs. Contact us and we will help you find the most suitable model for your team.
