Flexibility as a trump card

Dealing with the new generation of employees: flexibility as an asset

The labor market is constantly changing, and the hospitality industry is not standing still. More and more employees, especially from the younger generation, are choosing to organize their work differently than we are traditionally used to. They are no longer looking for a permanent job, but prefer flexibility: working when it suits them, deciding how long they want to work, and making more choices about their work. This can be a challenge for hospitality entrepreneurs who are used to fixed schedules and stable teams, but it also offers unique opportunities to adapt your business to the modern era.

How can you embrace this new employee mindset and turn it into something positive for your business? Here are three examples of how you can flexibly navigate this development and turn it to your advantage.

Create flexible schedules and give freedom of choice

One of the top demands of the new generation of employees is the freedom to set their own working hours. Instead of sticking to rigid schedules, consider introducing flexible schedules. This means that employees can indicate their preferences for the hours they want to work, which allows them to better balance their work and personal life.

How does this work in practice? For example, set up an online scheduling system that allows employees to sign up for available shifts based on their own availability. This gives them a sense of autonomy and ownership, which can increase their satisfaction and motivation. Of course, this requires good planning and communication to ensure that all shifts are filled, but it can result in a more motivated team that is happy to contribute.

Positive impact: Employees who have more control over their working hours are often happier and more productive. This leads to less absenteeism and lower staff turnover, which ultimately saves costs and ensures continuity in your business.

Offer short term contracts or project work

Not everyone wants to commit to one employer for a long time. The new generation values ​​the freedom to gain different experiences and to be able to quickly switch to new challenges. As a hospitality entrepreneur, you can respond to this by offering short-term contracts or project work.

This could mean hiring employees for specific events or seasonal peaks, such as the holidays or summer months. They know their work is temporary, but they can still gain valuable experience and contribute to your company. By communicating this clearly, you attract people who know exactly what they are getting into and who are motivated to give their all during their shift.

Positive effect: By responding to temporary work assignments, you can quickly respond to busy periods without being tied to long-term employment contracts. In addition, it offers you the opportunity to build a flexible shell of employees that you can deploy when necessary.

Invest in customized training and development

The new generation of employees values ​​personal development and is eager to learn and grow in their careers, even if they are only working for you temporarily. Instead of sticking to traditional training programs, you can invest in customized training and development opportunities that meet the needs and desires of these flexible employees.

Think about short, intensive workshops that focus on specific skills, such as barista training, culinary courses, or even management skills for those interested in a leadership role. You can also offer online courses that employees can take in their own time, which suits their need for flexibility.

Positive impact: By investing in the development of your employees, even if they have only been with you for a short time, you build a positive reputation as an employer. This ensures that you continue to attract attractive candidates and even have former employees as ambassadors for your company, who recommend your business to others.

Conclusion

The new generation of employees brings different expectations and wishes, but this doesn’t have to be a problem. By being flexible in your approach and open to change, you can embrace this new mindset and even benefit from it. Flexible schedules, short-term contracts and targeted training will help you not only keep your employees happy, but also prepare your business for the future. It’s time to break away from old habits and embrace the opportunities of the modern labor market.