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.