We are the ones who fell in love with this industry.
Some of us knew from the start that hospitality would be our calling, while others stumbled into jobs in pubs, bars, and cafes and discovered a passion we didn’t expect.
We thrived on the challenges and rewards, realizing we were good at it. Hospitality was where many of us learned what it meant to be an adult—to talk to strangers, be part of a team, take responsibility for ourselves, and be responsible for the experiences of others.
We loved the chaos, the joy on our customers' faces, the camaraderie, and the realization that a team is far more than the sum of its parts. We found satisfaction in solving problems and managing conflicting demands, all while delivering exceptional service.
But along the way, we also saw colleagues struggle. Some couldn’t handle the relentless pressure, while others never found comfort in customer interactions or the team environment.
For them, the stress became too much, leading them to seek careers in other fields that felt more rewarding or manageable. Those of us who stayed are a particular breed—we’ve had a unique introduction to the industry, and many of us bear the scars to prove it.
But what about the younger generation? Who are they, and are they up to the job?
The reality is that we are facing a staffing crisis in the hospitality industry.
Fewer people want to be involved. Parents who have experienced the industry firsthand know how tough it can be. They may be okay with their child working hard to earn some pocket money, but they often hope for a different, easier, or more stable career for them.
And the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, approaches work differently.
They are less inclined to work until they drop. For them, work is far more transactional. Work-life balance is not just for those in middle age—it’s an expectation from the start of their careers. And they have the power to choose not to work in environments that don’t prioritize their well-being.
The good news is that the hospitality industry has always been quick to adapt, pivot, and innovate.
Just look at how we responded to the COVID crisis—the creativity and resilience displayed by our industry were inspiring. We’re doing it again, creating workplaces where our people feel safe, valued, and supported. We’re nurturing them, helping them grow.
We love our industry, and while many of us recognize that the standards have changed—what was acceptable when we started is no longer socially acceptable—we’re excited about the opportunities this brings. We now have the chance to demonstrate the quality and potential of hospitality to young people in a new way.
Where else can you enter a career with no prior experience and be promoted to manager within two years?
Where else can you work as part of a team whose sole purpose every day is to make others smile?
Hospitality is such a rewarding place to be, and it’s a joy to watch our industry adapt, change, and create the perfect environment for the next generation.
For more conversations on the hospitality industry, mental health, and Gen Z, check out this podcast. And stay tuned for our Kith & Kin Forum event as part of the Leicester Business Festival with Strive Employee Wellbeing and The Burnt Chef Project.
