Working Conditions in the Hospitality Industry: The Case for a Fair and Decent Work Agenda

This critical review presents a comprehensive examination of the prevailing working conditions within the global hospitality industry. It highlights pervasive issues such as inequitable pay structures, widespread underemployment, skills underutilisation, heightened work pressures, income instability, and constrained social mobility. These adverse conditions not only have significant societal ramifications but also exert detrimental effects on employee well-being and mental health, leading to a dearth of talent retention and recruitment challenges. Against this backdrop, the study advocates for the adoption of a Fair and Decent Work Agenda (FDWA) as a pivotal strategy to improve the lives of hospitality workers. Despite governmental efforts, such as the implementation of the FDWA on the global, regional and country level, meaningful change remains elusive. To address this gap, a comprehensive and targeted set of actions for successful FDWA implementation is proposed. Furthermore, the paper offers valuable insights for industry practitioners, policymakers, and researchers alike, aiming to trigger concerted action towards realising equitable and dignified working conditions within the hospitality sector. By embracing the principles of fairness and decency, stakeholders can foster a more sustainable and inclusive industry ecosystem, ultimately improving the lives of hospitality workers while fortifying the sector’s resilience and competitiveness in the global marketplace.