Our industry is about you: The people who make it strong. Without the nearly 2 million individuals who ensure its success each and every day, the hotel industry would not continue to grow and thrive in communities across America. As such, we take pride in making sure our employees feel valued and are fairly rewarded for their work. Indeed, we are a leader in offering entry-level jobs with good wages and benefits, as well as the professional training and resources employees need to fast track up the ladder to management and upper-level positions.
A new report conducted by WageWatch—an industry compensation survey provider—tells this story very clearly. It underscores that jobs in the hotel industry quickly lead to upper management positions, providing long-term careers with high job satisfaction levels. Thanks to Randy Pullen, president and CEO of WageWatch, and his team of research experts, the national report surveyed some 400,000 full-time and part-time employees, representing 21 percent of the lodging industry labor force and 10,300 hotels across the country.
The report highlights the success stories of the hotel industry’s employees, who experience significant opportunities for upward mobility and promotions. And that is what sets us apart from other sectors. Throughout the hotel industry, general managers, senior executives, and even many CEOs begin their employment in hourly, entry-level hotel jobs. And the many CEOs in our industry who started out as dishwashers or front desk agents further validate this trend.
According to the report, half or more of corporate executives began their hotel career in hourly entry-
level positions and more than half of hotel general managers did the same. And there are vast opportunities to move up the ranks. The report reveals the majority of minimum wage employees are eligible for promotion after only one year of employment, serving as a gateway for new workers who can then continue long-term professional careers in the industry.
Indeed, not only do employees enjoy a fast track to promotions, but also hotels take pride in being able to offer the training and resources that help our workforce to quickly move up the ladder. Not surprisingly, the report also shows turnover is low within the lodging industry. Ninety percent of respondents said that salaried employees stayed with their company for an average of five years or more, and 75 percent of respondents report that hourly employees stay with the company more than five years on average.
The WageWatch report undoubtedly highlights the importance and value in taking care of our workforce, from front desk agents to kitchen staff and chefs to managers and executives. People are the heart of our industry—and the AH&LA has a true appreciation of that. We continually strive to provide hotel employees with competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for growth so they can continue to find success in their careers and do not find incentives to go elsewhere. It can’t be emphasized enough how important training is in our industry and ensuring that employees have opportunities to move up and get ahead. Helping our employees advance and achieve success is what defines our industry, and ultimately, what drives business growth.
It is a great time to be in the hotel business. As the hotel industry continues to see dynamic expansion, so does the opportunity for today’s starting employees and tomorrow’s leaders. And that growth as an industry directly correlates to more jobs and great career advancement opportunities. To continue these trends and build on our five years of consecutive job creation, we will keep our focus on taking action and encouraging policy initiatives that empower business development and entrepreneurial ambitions. It matters to our industry and it matters to the people who make us successful day after day.
About the Author
Vanessa Sinders is senior vice president and department head of government affairs at AH&LA.
I have a few observations to make about this article. Keep in mind I’ve been in the hospitality industry for roughly 25 years (non-consecutive) and have been with my current employer for nearly 12 years. The premise of this article says that hourly employees can quickly be promoted and rise to upper management positions. This is true if you work for large property and a company with a premier name. From my observation (I may be wrong on this one, but so far I don’t think I am based on past experience), it helps your cause to advance if you are young, unmarried, childless, and can relocate as a moments notice. If your like myself who’s not quite as young and have a family (I’m a widower with a pre-teen), along with a house (I can actually say it’s paid for) can put you at a huge disadvantage to advance in this industry. And if you don’t already work for the company (i.e. in house), it also puts you further behind the 8 ball. Working for a small, limited service property (especially in a small town-city)also makes it much more difficult to land in a larger, full service property, regardless of how many years experience you have.
I have become jaded to the point that come this time next year I may not be in this industry anymore as I can’t advance where I am (I work in a small limited service property where I’ve hit a ceiling). If anyone can address the issues I have stated, please feel free to e-mail, and I’d be happy to discuss them.