Hospitality Industry Bounces Back in North Rhine-Westphalia but Skills Shortage Persists
After experiencing a substantial dip in workforce numbers in 2021 due to the pandemic, the hospitality sector in North Rhine-Westphalia saw a remarkable resurgence last year. The State Statistical Office in Düsseldorf reported a 9.4% increase in employment in the accommodation and food service sector at the year's end in 2022, following a 7.1% decline in 2021. By the close of 2022, a staggering 25,000 more full-time jobs had been accounted for.
However, the hospitality industry association DEHOGA NRW highlighted a widespread issue still affecting the sector – a persistent shortage of skilled workers. Thorsten Hellwig, DEHOGA NRW's spokesperson, shared his insights with dpa, explaining that the exodus of experienced professionals throughout the pandemic had left the sector grappling. Many employees who left during this time have not yet returned, and newcomers need time to acquire relevant knowledge and experience.
Adjustments to working hours and implementation of new working models for employees also create a demand for additional staff. For instance, four-day workweeks are being offered when businesses operate five or more days a week. DEHOGA NRW suggests moving towards a weekly maximum working hour system to provide employees with more flexible scheduling options.
Enrichment Insights:
The hospitality sector in North Rhine-Westphalia, and many other regions in Germany, face a persistent skilled worker shortage. Promising strategies to counteract this issue include regular employee training, employer branding efforts to attract and retain talent, deployment of artificial intelligence to automate processes and enhance customer experience, and implementation of online training opportunities. Additionally, government economic stimulus measures aim to provide financial aid and support to businesses in recovery.
Adapted from:
After a substantial employment downturn in 2021 due to the pandemic, the hospitality sector in North Rhine-Westphalia recorded a 9.4% employment increase in the accommodation and food service sector at year-end 2022. The associated industry association, DEHOGA NRW, emphasizes the persistent skilled worker shortage, as many workers left during the pandemic and have not returned, necessitating extensive training for newcomers.
Changes in working hours and new working models have heightened staffing demands. DEHOGA NRW calls for a shift towards weekly maximum working hours to offer more flexible scheduling opportunities for employees.
