Low pay, poor conditions, and external pressures keep skilled workers away from the industry
Sep 11, 2025
Hotels across the globe are struggling to attract and retain skilled staff, with issues ranging from inadequate compensation and benefits to difficult working conditions and competitive labour markets. The pandemic and shifting workforce trends have deepened the problem, leaving many hotels understaffed despite rising travel demand.
Key takeaways
- Low wages and weak benefits: Many hotel jobs, particularly entry-level roles, pay close to minimum wage and lack health insurance, sick leave, or pensions.
- Limited career progression: Without clear paths for development, hospitality roles are often seen as temporary rather than long-term careers.
- Challenging work-life balance: Irregular schedules, long hours, and high stress contribute to burnout and high turnover.
- Workplace culture issues: Poor communication, lack of recognition, and insecure contracts further drive staff away.
- Pandemic and labour shifts: Covid-19 pushed many workers into other industries, and the talent pool has not returned.
- Broader competition for talent: Sectors outside hospitality offer better pay, hours, and benefits, making it harder for hotels to compete.
- Regional complications: In markets like the UK, Brexit has reduced access to EU workers, intensifying shortages.
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