In today's rapidly changing job market, the topic of diversity and inclusion has gained significant attention.

While progress has been made in areas such as gender and race, ageism continues to be a prevalent issue in guest facing roles. In my opinion you can see this in particular for job roles such as waiters , supervisors , assistant managers , chefs positions etc. Check many of the hotel photos posted on LinkedIn, you will see for yourself.

I made a point today when I travelled from my home in the UK to Split in Croatia, and purposefully looked at the age mix of people working in hospitality in guest facing job roles. It is very clear that there were very very few older people working in the roles as a total percentage of employees.

I would love to see the actual industry percentage of people working in venue food and beverage departments in hotels that are over 50s?

One of the key advantages that the over 50s bring to the workplace is their extensive life experience. Having spent several decades in various roles and situations, they have developed a deep understanding of human nature, problem-solving abilities, and a strong work ethic.

In the context of the hotel industry, this experience can be particularly valuable in roles that require interpersonal skills, such as guest services, waiter, bar tender, concierge, or departmental management positions. Their ability to handle complex situations with ease and professionalism is an asset that should not be overlooked.

Diversity in the workplace is essential for fostering innovation and creativity. By recruiting individuals from different age groups, hotels can create a more inclusive environment where employees can learn from one another's unique perspectives.

Intergenerational collaboration allows for the exchange of ideas, knowledge transfer, and the development of creative solutions to problems and for young people who are finding life tough since the health crisis working with more seasoned people can help them deal with mental health , stress and learning life skills. The over 50s tend offer a different viewpoint than younger less experienced people and contribute to a more well-rounded team, enhancing the overall guest experience and ultimately the revenue and profit statement.

The hotel industry is built on providing exceptional customer service. By recruiting more individuals who have experienced a variety of situations and challenges, hotels can ensure that their guests receive the highest level of service.

The over 50s often possess excellent communication skills, patience, and a genuine interest in helping others. Their ability to empathise with guests and provide personalised experiences can significantly contribute to guest satisfaction and loyalty.

Ageism, the discrimination and stereotyping based on age, remains a persistent problem in the job market generally. By actively recruiting the over 50s, hotels can challenge these biases and create a more inclusive workplace and most likely alleviate stress in the work place from under manning.

Embracing age diversity sends a powerful message to both employees and guests that everyone's skills and contributions are valued, regardless of their age. This can have a positive impact on the organisation's reputation and help attract a broader customer base that values inclusivity.

As life expectancy increases and retirement age is pushed further back in many countries, it is becoming more common for individuals to seek additional work opportunities beyond the traditional retirement age. By focusing on recruiting the over 50s, hotels can tap into a pool of motivated and skilled individuals who are eager to continue contributing to society.

This can lead to reduced labour shortages, increased productivity, and the fostering of a multigenerational workforce that learns from one another.

Michael Butler
Food and Beverage Transformation Leader | Hotel F&B Concepts | Operational Consulting | SaaS Auditing Platform | Training & Mentoring | Menu Development

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In today's ever-changing job market, diversity and inclusion have become crucial topics. While progress has been made in addressing gender and racial biases, ageism remains a prevalent issue, particularly in guest-facing roles within the hotel industry. However, the over 50s demographic brings a wealth of experience and valuable skills that are often overlooked. In this post, we look into the importance of recruiting the over 50s in the hotel industry, exploring the benefits they bring to the table and why hotels should prioritise their inclusion.