Culture, progression and work life balance voted more important than salary for hospitality staff

In a survey conducted by MAPAL Group at the Shine People & Culture Summit last month, attendees from across the hospitality sector ranked company culture, progression and work life balance as more important factors than salary for staff retention – highlighting changing priorities throughout the sector.

The summit showcased 20 hospitality leaders, from brands including Dishoom, Soho House & Co, The Alchemist, Frasers Hospitality, Malmaison, Stonegate Group, Wyndham Hotels, St. Austell Brewery, Nightcap, Darjeeling Express and Hickory's Smokehouse.

Fifty-eight percent of respondents ranked company culture as a top three factor for retaining staff, followed by progression (53%), work life balance (49%) and salary (46%). Sixty-eight percent said their staff turnover had at least ‘somewhat’ increased since 2019, with 39% going further to say it had ‘greatly’ increased.

When asked what their biggest challenge as a business was, right now, an overwhelming 79% cited issues around recruitment and retention, with 19% also highlighting training and development as part of the same issue.

Seventy-five percent stated that they plan to enhance learning and development initiatives over the next 12 months and 51% said they were planning to launch coaching and mentoring programmes.

The survey highlights a general trend towards a stronger focus on retention, rather than the more traditional pre-pandemic model of high staff turnover and fast hiring.

James McLuckie, Group Chief Learning Officer at MAPAL Group, said: “The survey highlights what we’re already seeing from our clients and partners. As an industry, we’re experiencing a much higher focus on staff training, development and wellbeing now, compared to only a few years ago.

“With a smaller pool of talent to draw from, staff training, and development are taking centre stage, alongside initiatives to promote more flexible working hours and greater job satisfaction, as companies strive to retain and develop the talent they already have.”

To see more findings from the survey, check out the Shine People & Culture Summit survey results infographic – click here