A new report from Restaurant & Hospitality Skillnet and the Restaurants Association of Ireland has highlighted the importance of upskilling in attracting and retaining talent in the Irish hospitality industry.
The research report, which included over 800 respondents, examined the Irish hospitality industry’s diverse workforce through one-on-one interviews with industry leaders, in-depth focus groups with employees, and a comprehensive survey.
Career Path Opportunities
According to the research, employers need to be open to, and offer, a range of career path opportunities, as learning and development programmes in the workplace are key to securing new hires and developing existing talent.
The study shows that the feedback, views, and experience of employers are also essential for identifying upskilling requirements for the sector’s growth and development.
Actionable Insights
Launched last week, the report explores the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector’s workforce and provides actionable insights for businesses aiming to thrive in the face of ongoing challenges.
This research led to the identification of six distinct employee segments, each with unique needs, attitudes and skills. The segments – including Future Star, Career Committed, Family Ties, Career Seeker, Career Mover, and Career Entrant – provide insights of the industry’s workforce composition and what motivates each employee type.
Recruitment Strategies
The report recommends that a Future Star would benefit from role specific upskilling in areas such as revenue, accounts and/or food and beverage, while someone who falls into the Career Mover category could benefit from a micro-credential programme that would encourage them to stay in the sector.
To address these findings, the report includes comprehensive recommendations for hospitality sector businesses, including a review of learning and development planning, engaging in micro-credential programmes, revisiting recruitment strategies, implementing workplace coaching, conducting thorough analyses of past hires and digital literacy upskilling.
'Futureproof Workforce'
"The Covid-19 pandemic impacted all businesses but the hospitality sector, in particular, is still grappling with a number of legacy challenges brought about by the public health emergency," said Niamh O’Malley, Restaurant & Hospitality Skillnet network manager.
"This report thoroughly examines these challenges and provides comprehensive actions for businesses looking to futureproof their workforce."
Upskilling Solutions
The aim of the Restaurant & Hospitality Skillnet is to grow Ireland’s hospitality sector, by ensuring the skills and training needs of member businesses are adequately resourced.
The network develops and delivers bespoke upskilling solutions for business owners, managers, chefs and front of house staff.
