In recent times, the UK's hospitality industry has observed a significant trend where sustainability policies are becoming increasingly important for retaining staff and fostering a positive work environment.
A substantial body of evidence compiled in a recent report by Nutritics and CGA by NIQ reveals that over 75% of hospitality staff, nearly nine out of ten for those in management positions, prioritise leading environmentally conscious lives, thereby underscoring the critical role sustainability plays in their overall well-being.
Key Takeaways
Sustainability-driven staff retention is becoming increasingly important in the UK's hospitality industry, with over 75% of staff prioritising environmentally conscious lives.
- Approximately four out of ten employees (43%) are likely to consider leaving their current position if they perceive that their employer is not prioritising sustainability.
- Embedding sustainability into a company's strategy can help align everyone to a common goal and create an environment where employees feel invested and motivated.
- By embracing sustainable practices, hospitality businesses can tap into their own employees' passion for environmental responsibility, attracting and retaining top performers while enhancing their eco-friendly reputation.
When employee values align with business practices
Approximately four out of ten employees (43%) are likely to consider leaving their current position if they perceive that their employer is not prioritizing sustainability.
A good 19% of those surveyed have indeed made the decision to resign from such jobs, almost a third of which is comprised of those from higher-level positions.
Jonny Lockett, sustainability consultant to Pizza Pilgrims, says embedding sustainability in the company's strategy is essential in getting everyone on board. Injecting a bigger sense of purpose in the initiative helps align everyone to this common goal.
At Pizza Pilgrims we’ve made sustainability the fourth strategic pillar, so now it’s challenged at board level and put on the management key performance indicators, as part of our efforts to maintain our B Corp status
Jonny Lockett
Industry specialists emphasize the importance of integrating sustainability into the overall business strategy. It encourages team participation and creates an environment where employees feel invested and motivated.
Embracing sustainable practices
Holly Letch, head of sustainability at JKS Restaurants, underscores the significance of striking a balance between making impactful decisions that drive meaningful change and implementing visible initiatives that foster team engagement and a sense of ownership among staff.
As Stephen Nolan, CEO of Nutritics, underscores, hospitality employees are increasingly looking for employers whose core values align with their own, reflecting not just a "nice to have" but a fundamental aspect of their professional aspirations.
By embracing this growing demand for sustainable practices, savvy hospitality businesses can tap into a valuable resource – their own employees' passion for environmental responsibility – thereby attracting and retaining top performers whilst minimising recruitment expenses and enhancing their eco-friendly reputation.