At Caterer.com, we’re able to give you unparalleled insight into the global hospitality workforce.
That’s because, every few years our parent company The StepStone Group launches the Decoding Global Talent report alongside Boston Consulting Group.
With insights from 150,000 people worldwide it’s one of the largest studies of workforce and migration trends. This invaluable data helps us in hospitality better understand the desires, needs, and ambitions of workers globally — and closer to home.
When finding the right people is a challenge, this insight can be invaluable.
Key findings from the survey:
There’s a lot to unpack, but here are the highlights for us in hospitality:
- 1
2 in 3 hospitality workers around the world are willing to relocate for work, with the UK the 5th most appealing destination.
- 2
3 in 10 global hospitality workers are actively seeking a move abroad.
- 3
86% of hospitality workers want employers to support them with their Visa and 70% with their relocation.
Benefits of hiring international hospitality talent
So, what’s the benefit of looking overseas?
- 1
Addressing skills shortages
Recruiting from abroad allows us to fill critical roles that are hard to staff locally, ensuring that business runs smoothly.
- 2
Diverse skills and experience
International workers bring unique skills and perspectives, improving the service we’re able to offer customers.
- 3
Cultural diversity
A diverse workforce creates a culturally rich environment, appealing to a diverse customer base and boosting staff retention.
Unpacking global mobility trends
Across all industries, the study reveals that 63% of people are willing to move abroad for work, with 23% actively seeking new opportunities.
The good news is that for us in hospitality, more and more people are packing their bags.
So much so that 7 in 10 hospitality workers are willing to move to the UK, with almost half of the global hospitality workforce actively looking for the right UK-based role.
What’s behind the move
Understanding why people are looking overseas can give us the opportunity to flex our offering and shape our advertising to convert interest into action.
As you might expect, money tops the list, with 64% pointing to financial reasons as the key factor. That said, over half (55%) are looking to progress their career, and the same amount (55%) are looking for a higher quality of life here in the UK.
It’s good to see that the fantastic opportunities that we have in the UK hospitality sector are well-known, with the top reasons that people want to move to the UK being:
- Fantastic job opportunities: 75%
- High quality of Life: 58%
- Safety and security: 45%
- Higher income and lower cost of living: 44%
- Opportunities to gain citizenship: 38%
Support Expectations from Employers
So, what needs to be done?
Well, the research found that wherever they’re based, hospitality workers are looking for employers to make the first move and to make it as easy as possible for them to up sticks.
Hospitality workers want:
- Support with visa application: 86%
- Temporary housing assistance: 83%
- Support with relocation (Either financial or through advice): 70%
But it’s not just outside of work they’re focused on. They are also calling on employers to offer them a chance to speak with their future manager (60%) and colleagues (43%), while being introduced to relocation experts and given the advice they need to complete necessary paperwork is also a big winner (55%).
Final thoughts
At Caterer.com, we understand the challenges you face in hiring and retaining the talent you need.
By turning greater attention to the opportunities offered by international talent, you can overcome staffing shortages and build a more resilient and vibrant workforce.
Remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way with insights, guidance, and solutions tailored to your needs. Together, we can navigate the complexities of hospitality recruitment and ensure our industry continues to thrive.
