Hospitality recruitment in 2025: navigating diversity, technology, and talent expectations.
As the hospitality industry progresses through 2025, recruitment challenges remain a key concern, with employers still facing issues like attracting talent, addressing skills shortages, and improving employee engagement. According to Caterer.com’s “Future of Hospitality Recruitment” report, these challenges will continue to shape the industry, but there are also new opportunities for employers willing to adapt.
A significant finding from the report is the changing expectations of the hospitality workforce. A substantial 77% of workers are open to changing jobs if the right opportunity arises, with 24% of 18-34-year-olds particularly likely to seek new roles. Salary is the primary motivator for 66% of candidates, with younger workers (72%) placing even greater importance on pay. However, other factors are also becoming crucial, such as work-life balance (40%), flexible working (31%), and enhanced benefits (27%). Feeling valued at work is another key consideration, with 23% of workers citing it as an important factor. Employers must adjust to these shifting priorities to attract and retain talent.
While attracting top talent is important, retention will become an even bigger concern in 2025. To stay competitive, businesses must offer a combination of competitive pay, flexibility, career development opportunities, and a supportive workplace culture to keep employees engaged and reduce turnover.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is increasingly important to candidates. 41% of candidates say DE&I influences their decision to apply for a job, rising to 48% among 18-34-year-olds. While 90% of employers recognize its importance, only 49% have DE&I policies in place. Barriers such as outdated hiring practices and limited resources are slowing progress. For businesses looking to improve their DE&I efforts, the report suggests clear policies, inclusive hiring training, and tools to ensure fair, unbiased recruitment.
Technology, especially AI, is transforming hospitality recruitment. Over half of employers (51%) use AI, but only 18% fully leverage its potential. Larger businesses are ahead, with 66% using AI compared to 38% of small businesses. AI is helping employers streamline CV screening, improve candidate selection, and enhance communication. For businesses still behind in AI adoption, this gap could result in losing talent to more tech-savvy competitors.
Candidates have already embraced AI, with 66% using it for job searches, particularly for improving CVs, researching companies, and preparing for interviews. Employers can use AI to optimise hiring processes, from crafting inclusive job descriptions to automating candidate communication.
To stay competitive, employers should invest in AI now, using it to streamline recruitment and improve the candidate experience.
For those looking to improve their recruitment strategy, the full report offers actionable tips, insights, and strategies to help attract and retain talent, optimise employer branding, and embrace flexible recruitment methods in 2025. Download the full report to learn how to stay ahead in a competitive landscape.