Can recruitment of over 50s solve the recruitment challenges of the hospitality industry?
Abstract
Developing a multigenerational workforce has become almost inevitable for modern hospitality
organisations due to growing employee turnover, labour shortage and an aging workforce.
Traditionally, hospitality managers considered the younger employees to be an appropriate fit
for hospitality jobs, but the changed external environment is compelling recruitment managers
to explore the untapped potential of older workers. This qualitative research study aimed to
highlight the potential benefits of targeting over 50s for a career in the hospitality industry. This
primary research was done by interviewing five human resource professionals working with
British hospitality organisations. The thematic analysis strategy is adopted to present the
interview findings. The overall analysis suggests that hospitality organisations can
successfully handle their talent retention problems by increasing the recruitment of older
workers. A well-blended multigenerational workforce can provide the basis for sustainable
competitive advantage. Key benefits that hospitality firms can avail by hiring the older
employees mainly include- they are more experienced, mature, professional, social,
dependable, and can provide guidance to younger employees by acting as a mother/father
figure.