We partnered with research and insights experts KAM Media to understand the use and awareness of employee engagement services within the hospitality sector. The research also revealed to what extent employees are more likely to remain in a role because of them.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a lot of employees leaving the hospitality sector for other industries, such as warehouses, delivery, and supermarkets. The numbers don’t lie – by the end of 2022, there were 149,000 job vacancies in the accommodation and food service sector (ONS). These numbers reemphasise why employers in the sector need to consider how attractive they are to help retain employees.
We’ve rounded up seven eye-opening stats from our research to shed light on employee perceptions and preferences when it comes to employee engagement and employee benefits as well as the impact on retention and satisfaction.
The Power of Employee Benefits
3 out of 4 employees agree that employee benefits have the power to make them happier at work. This is a significant finding, as happier employees lead to improved service, customer satisfaction, and increased spending.
Given the impact that employee benefits have on overall workplace happiness, hospitality businesses should consider these offerings and the impact on their bottom line.
Employee Benefits and Retention
An impressive 79% of employees have chosen to stay in their hospitality roles for a longer duration due to the presence of employee benefits. This statistic emphasises the importance of offering attractive and valuable benefits to foster loyalty and reduce turnover within the sector. By investing in employee benefits, businesses can create a positive work environment that encourages long-term commitment. This in turn reduces recruitment and training costs.
Face-to-Face Training
Almost half (48%) of employees surveyed expressed a desire for face-to-face training opportunities. This indicates that traditional, hands-on training methods are still valued by hospitality employees. Organisations should consider providing regular in-person training sessions to empower employees, enhance their skills, and promote their professional growth.
Online Access to Pay Documents
45% of employees said they would like online access to their pay documents. In the digital age, it is essential to offer convenient and secure platforms for employees to access their financial information wherever and whenever they are.
Gym Discounts
40% of employees expressed a desire for gym discounts. Promoting employee wellbeing through fitness initiatives can positively impact overall job satisfaction which in turn helps reduce churn rate and absences. Collaborating with gyms to offer discounted memberships or wellness programs can incentivise employees to prioritise their health and create a healthier, more engaged workforce.
Employee Benefits all-in-one place
A staggering 77% of employees mentioned they would use employee benefits more frequently if they were all consolidated in one place. Making employee benefits easily accessible and user-friendly is crucial to their effective implementation. Employers should aim to streamline the process by providing a single platform, such as an app or portal, where employees can access and navigate various benefits seamlessly.
Health Benefits as Job Switching Incentives
An overwhelming 83% of respondents admitted that offering a specific health benefit influenced their decision to switch jobs. Health and wellbeing benefits have a significant influence over employees’ job choices. Hospitality businesses should prioritise relevant health benefits to attract and retain top talent, demonstrating a commitment to employee wellness.
Offering attractive benefits, all-in-one place not only creates a positive work environment that fosters employee loyalty and satisfaction, but also contributes to the overall success and profitability of the organisation. A motivated and engaged workforce will ultimately deliver exceptional service, create happy customers, and establish the hospitality sector as an attractive and competitive industry for both current and prospective employees.
Download your copy of the research
From the impact of employee benefits on overall workplace happiness to the influence of specific health benefits on employees switching jobs, our findings offer actionable insights for organisations looking to boost employee engagement. You can download the full research here.