Influence of demographic characteristics on employee motivation in catering companies

The purpose – The purpose of this study is to research motivators that help to attract, retain and motivate employees in the catering industry. Design – The special focus is given to the analysis of specific demographic factors and their influence on employee motivation. Methodology – Using available secondary data, key motivational factors for work in the catering industry are identified. Followed by a qualitative analysis, motivational factors are then compared to specific demographic factors. Approach – The survey was conducted in the municipality of Piran, which is touristly the most developed Slovenian municipality and an important tourist center in the northern Mediterranean. Findings – The findings show that motivational factors are strongly associated to different demographic factors. By understanding both, demographic factors and their influence on motivational factors, it is possible to successfully motivate different groups of employees. Practical considerations for managers of catering business, how to selectively motivate different groups of employees according to different demographic characteristics, are discussed in conclusion. The originality of this research – The originality comes from the analysis of the specifics of motivation in the catering industry, which provides the guidance and ideas for further improvements and research in this important sector of tourism.