90% of Hospitality Workers are Happy in their Jobs

The COVID-19 pandemic decimated the hospitality industry over the past two years, but with restrictions lifting every day, the industry is finally starting to look up. With mask mandates slowly fading and restaurant capacity rising again, sales projections for restaurants alone are projected to reach $898 billion, up from $864 billion in 2019.

The vastness of this field has led many to be drawn to it. From restaurants and dining to tourism to parks and recreations, there is something for everyone.

With these impressive projections, the hospitality industry is back and in full swing this year. And with this newly reshaped industry due to COVID-19, many expected to hear backlash or negative feedback from its workers. 

For years, the narrative surrounding the hospitality industry has been that workers hate their jobs, are overworked and underpaid, and are in hostile work environments. These feelings may have been true in the past and may still hold true in some areas, but in a recent hospitality worker data study Food Service Direct conducted, it found quite the opposite.

Food Service Direct conducted an online survey polling 2000 hospitality workers from across the United States asking a myriad of questions ranging from happiness levels, healthcare and additional benefits satisfaction, pay, feelings towards their team’s and boss’ support, and more. 

HOSPITALITY WORKERS LOVE THEIR JOB

In the data collected, 90% of hospitality workers shared that they love their current job. This percentage is surprising and can be attributed to many different factors. 

In regards to COVID-19, many hospitality workers may have received new healthcare benefits, more support and understanding from their team or boss, and/or newly instilled flexible hybrid hours and more leniency for time off. 

COVID-19 may not be the only reason hospitality workers are loving their job as Food Service Direct also found that 85% say their job is fun. Workers these days seem to be more passionate about the work they are doing than ever before.

HOSPITALITY WORKERS FEEL SUPPORTED BY THEIR SUPERVISORS AND TEAM

The cliche phrase “teamwork makes the dream work'' has never been more true. 

Good support and help can make all the difference in a work environment. Of those polled, 91% of hospitality workers said they work with a great team. 

Feeling appreciated and encouraged can go a long way with employee retention and turnover rates. This starts from the top with a company’s leadership - recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work is imperative to a healthy and lasting relationship. 

It appears many companies are taking this advice as 84% of workers polled shared that they have a great boss. With many supervisors serving as a listening ear and praising their employees for their work, employees have become more comfortable to share.

HOSPITALITY WORKERS SHARE THEY SERVE POLITE GUESTS AND CUSTOMERS

Serving rude or inconsiderate customers is not something workers want to deal with on top of their already overflowing to-do list. The fluctuating safety regulations in every state due to COVID-19, only allow for more to fall on the workers to oversee and manage. 

However, post pandemic, it appears that guests have witnessed these hardships the hospitality industry has faced in the past two years and have thankfully turned their attitudes around. 

When asked about the customers and guests that workers serve, 89% said guests are polite and often say “please” and “thank you.” Customers seem to be more respectful to staff now and more accommodating of the rules they must abide by. 

With ever changing regulations and cell phone video footage to hold customers accountable, we expect to see this understanding nature hopefully continue. 

HOSPITALITY WORKERS ARE SATISFIED WITH THEIR HEALTHCARE BENEFITS 

Hospitality workers' tasks begin with the goal of keeping others healthy by providing clean spaces and areas for guests to reside in. The pandemic continues to impact all aspects of the hospitality industry and one thing remains true, the health and wellness of employees should be the pinnacle priority. 

Providing healthcare is a standard benefit, but providing excellent coverage is essential to maintaining long lasting employees in this industry. The good news is, of those polled, 81% of hospitality workers are happy with their current company healthcare coverage. 

THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IS HERE TO STAY 

All of these percentages show a thriving industry that is here to stay and will continue to grow. With daily changes and constant adjustments, hospitality workers are flexible and willing to accommodate their guests to the best of their abilities.

With growing satisfaction by the day, leadership is taking note of the hard work workers put in and rewarding it, through team support, recognition, and deserved benefits.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mete Gumus is the General Manager and CEO of FoodServiceDirect.com(FSD). Previously, Mete was CFO of Unilever North America’s Foodservice division. With over two decades of expertise specific to the foodservice industry, Mete leads FoodServiceDirect.com, the leading food service digital marketplace in the US. Bringing learnings from some of the food industry’s  top tier brands while identifying the gaps and profit loss derived from the traditional food distribution model, Mete was named CEO of FoodServiceDirect.com in 2018.. Currently, Mete leads all B2B2C digital marketplace operations of FSD.