One in two hospitality workers feeling ‘stuck’ in their job.
New research from Think Education reveals that one in two (48 per cent) of those working in the hospitality, tourism, and events industries feel ‘stuck’ in their job.
The research also shows that just one in two hospitality workers (56.1 per cent) have a plan for getting ahead in their career.
“Careers in hospitality can be incredibly rewarding, both personally and financially, for those who are driven to succeed,” said Coralie Morrissey, the Executive Dean of Business and Hospitality at Think Education.
“However, those interested in a long-term career in hospitality need to ensure they are well-trained and well-connected.
“That’s why it’s so important for young hospitality workers to take the time to develop a clear plan for the skills and experience they need, and how they can get ahead,” she said.
The Think Education Career Enhancer Survey polled 1,500 Australian workers aged 18-35. Overall, it shows that close to 80 per cent of young workers in all sectors (78.4 per cent) feel like they should be earning more than they are, and that one in two (49.3 per cent) feel that their friends and colleagues are getting ahead faster than them.
Similar results were found for hospitality workers. For hospitality workers, the biggest barrier to getting ahead was identified as ‘the lack of workplace opportunities or recognition from superiors’ (42 per cent). Meanwhile, more than one in five say ‘the need for further education’ (22.3 per cent), 19.3 per cent say ‘lifestyle/personal reasons’, and 8.9 per cent identify ‘a lack of industry connections’ as the main barrier.
“It’s great that one in five hospitality workers recognise that further education can help them kick-start their career. However, it’s surprising that less than 9 per cent point to their lack of industry connections as the main barrier. This can be incredibly important in getting ahead.
“I believe that if you want to get ahead in your career, if you want more recognition or better connections, you have to take charge and find ways to make yourself stand out.
“Further education can not only provide students with the practical skills and experiences needed to gain greater recognition, but can also open up much needed opportunities. At Think Education’s hospitality college, William Blue, the strong partnerships that we have made with the industry allow us to make this to happen,” said Morrissey.
Other findings from the Think Education Career Enhancer Survey include that of hospitality workers aged 18-35:
- Almost 1 in 5 (19.7 per cent) have lied about what they do for work or their level of education
- Almost 60 per cent (57.2 per cent) feel like they should be in a more senior position at work, or are feeling undervalued
- Despite 48 per cent feeling stuck in their job, two thirds still believe they will progress in their career this year
- The opportunity to earn more money is the biggest driver for progressing their career, chosen by 55.8 per cent as the main motivator
- Passion for their career/the drive to succeed (32.3 per cent), the opportunity to make a difference (7.4 per cent), and comparisons with colleagues, friends and family (4.5 per cent) are rated less highly
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