Hospitality HR Association: Recruiting for Success

Addressing one of the most pressing challenges in the hospitality industry today: attracting and retaining top talent. With 54 consecutive months of job growth and more than 1.1 million open hospitality positions, HR leaders are under immense pressure to compete in a tight labor market. The presentation explored labor trends, generational shifts in the workforce, and the common pitfalls that keep companies stuck in reactive hiring modes.

The session focused on building a proactive, strategic approach to talent acquisition. Key takeaways included the importance of crafting a strong Employee Value Proposition (EVP), aligning it with employer branding efforts, and identifying untapped recruiting sources. Practical strategies for faster, more effective hiring, as well as actionable retention practices—from onboarding and mentorship to recognition and work-life balance—were also shared. Companies that prioritize both recruiting and retention are best positioned to thrive in the evolving hospitality landscape.