People over 50-years-old have been historically less likely to work in hospitality – but with the industry facing unprecedented staff shortages, businesses should not ignore their ‘untapped potential’.
The Centre for Ageing Better recently reported that by 2025 there will be an extra one million workers over the age of 50 in the UK, and trade body UKHospitality is now advising businesses to be sure their recruitment practices don’t stand in the way of bringing some of this demographic onboard.
In partnership with the Government’s over-50s Ministerial Taskforce, UKH has just issued the new ‘Hospitality Guide to Recruiting Workers Aged 50+’, which highlights three key points:
- Job adverts imagery should be ‘age diverse’ and include older workers, use language that doesn’t deter older workers, and emphasise employee benefits that may appeal to an older worker, such as flexible working;
- Recruitment efforts should be targeted where older workers are more likely to see them, including job boards targeted at older workers, social media platforms like Facebook and physical advertising, such as on bus stops;
- Adaptions to the actual workplace should be made to ensure workers over 50 feel valued and comfortable. This could include adapting uniform policies, offering the opportunity to advance skills, highlighting opportunities to progress and promoting flexible working arrangements.
UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “With hospitality continuing to deal with staffing challenges, it’s essential that businesses do all they can to appeal to everyone in the job markets.
“For far too long, the over-50s have been under-represented in our workforce but there is real untapped potential there to fix our workforce challenges. There is so much hospitality can offer, with its flexible working hours and the social element to our sector, and we need to get this message out there,” said Kate.
“Greater focus on recruiting in this area of the job market can lead to greater numbers of older workers taking up the exciting career opportunities hospitality offers. These are simple steps that businesses can take but it has the potential to deliver many times over. Small changes to recruitment processes and subtle tweaks to our practices within the workplace could make a big difference.
“This guide is one of many steps UKHospitality is taking to increase our focus on this age group and what they can bring to business, and was identified as a priority area in our Workforce Strategy.
“I’m delighted we’ve been able to work with The Phoenix Group and the Government on this important document and I hope it makes a tangible difference for businesses and the new workers they recruit as a result.”
