GENERATION Z AND THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Dr Bhuvan G M, Principal, Apeejay Institute of Hospitality, Navi Mumbai, addresses the issue of bridging the gap for talent attraction.

Post-pandemic, a battle is underway to attract, manlage, and retain talent within the hospitality industry. The global reach of the COVID-19 pandemic had consequences for the hospitality sector, leading to the loss of jobs for thousands of individuals employed in the industry. Many faced both professional and personal crises. The workforce migrated to their hometowns, and a significant portion chose not to return. Instead, they sought out alternative employment opportunities. Also, the pandemic exerted an influence on the career aspirations of Generation Z towards the hospitality sector. This can be correlated with a decline in admissions for hospitality and hotel management courses in India. Notably, there exists a vacancy rate of over 50% in hospitality institutions, a trend that has persisted for the last three years. Due to a limited number of hospitality students graduating annually, a shortage of skilled, knowledgeable, and talented young professionals has emerged.

One trend that has emerged post-pandemic is joining the retail sector. Luxury retail is recruiting young hospitality graduates for various roles and responsibilities. These graduates are being offered attractive packages with regulated working hours. The hospitality industry is experiencing a loss of trained talent to other sectors as hospitality graduates are well-trained to understand and handle the needs of customers, which is very vital in today's business. Also, the employment opportunities for trained hospitality professionals are global in scope. Every country requires a workforce, and Indians, by culture, are hospitality-oriented and readily embraced.