The UK hospitality sector is grappling with significant labour shortages and rising employee burnout, posing serious challenges to businesses and staff alike. Recent surveys reveal over half of UK hospitality managers report their companies suffering due to these issues. The effects of Brexit on hiring difficulties remain divisive, with varying opinions among managers. Despite adversities, managers show optimism, recognising the value of existing training programmes. The sector is actively exploring solutions like flexible hours and increased wages to address these pressing concerns.
The UK hospitality industry is currently facing daunting challenges, with labour shortages and employee burnout at the forefront. A recent survey by Axonify highlights that more than half (53%) of UK hospitality managers report their businesses and staff are severely impacted by these issues. Such challenges underline the vulnerabilities within the sector, demanding immediate attention and strategic interventions.
Despite differing opinions on the effects of Brexit, hiring difficulties persist, complicating workforce stability. The survey revealed that 36% of managers attribute these challenges to Brexit’s long-term consequences, while 39% disagree and 25% remain undecided. This division among managers underscores the complexity in attributing exacerbated labour shortages to specific causes.
Employee morale is notably affected, with nearly half of the managers acknowledging the adverse impact of staff shortages. Increased workloads are reported by 73% of managers, leading to higher employee turnover rates reaching 60%. The customer experience is declining, with longer waiting times and a reported 41% drop in service quality.
Burnout is a critical issue, with 50% of hospitality managers suffering due to prolonged working hours (69%), elevated stress levels (68%), and understaffing (64%). The industry’s workload pressures are palpable, demanding urgent solutions to sustain workforce well-being.
Despite these considerable challenges, an optimistic outlook prevails among managers, largely due to effective training programmes that engage and motivate staff. A significant 68% of managers believe their current training initiatives are beneficial. Moreover, strategic measures like flexible working hours (58%) and increased wages (52%) are being implemented to mitigate staffing issues. Additionally, UK companies are leading in mental health training for employees, surpassing their US counterparts.
Optimism also stems from potential governmental changes, with many managers hopeful that a new Labour administration can alleviate current labour shortages. This positive sentiment reflects a collective belief in the industry’s resilience and its capacity for recovery.
The UK hospitality sector, despite its challenges, remains optimistic about overcoming current hurdles through strategic initiatives and resilient workforce management.
