At the last Kith & Kin forum event, I shared a story about how hospitality workplace culture has transformed over the past 30 years. I opened by recalling how, when I began my career, working 65+ hours a week was common—expected, even. In the 1990s, long hours were the standard for anyone serious about a hospitality career, with no minimum wage protections, so we worked hard just to make ends meet. Exhaustion was a badge of honor, and burnout simply wasn’t recognized.
Today, thankfully, the landscape is different. Gen Z and younger staff expect—and deserve—balance, well-being, and respect in the workplace. They’ve helped shift the industry toward a healthier culture that values rest and balance. What we’re left with is the heart of hospitality: the camaraderie, excitement, and joy of service, minus the grueling hours. Watching this culture evolve has been a privilege.
