Youthful perceptions are real
Christian Kaberg FIH
Transforming Hospitality Experiences with 30+ Years Expertise
This surely has been an eventful week, for reasons all good. I have been fortunate enough to add several levels of rejuvenated knowledge and inspiration to my portfolio, and hopefully learned oodles of new things. Top three.
Admittingly, Sweden should stick to IKEA, Volvo, and Spotify, and leave the choice of pizza toppings to others. Even the wonderful Greek, Sam Panopoulos, who was credited with inventing the mesmerising Hawaiian Pizza with pineapple, did a better job. However, this week’s article is not about Pizza, it is about changing perceptions, based on what most children and young adults think of the hospitality industry.
In collaboration with Springboard and the Education Development Trust , supported by the Mayor of London , I spent a few hours this week at Elthorne Park High School . Our industry needs a presence at schools, and we all know that our industry can attract energetic and willing talent if our message is positive, friendly, honest, and uniform. So, why do we need presence? Below are the honest perceptions of years 8 and 10. Straight, truthful, and disheartening. And my interpretation is that most of these perceptions are passed on, from generation to generation.
The question raised was, give me eight reasons why you do NOT want to work in hospitality. Hands were flying up, each one with its perception. In order, they were:
The differentiation between the two age groups was marginal. So, this is one of the many reasons why I write my articles. If we can acknowledge the truth, and step down from our ivory towers, we can Be The Change, bringing light to myths, and changing those in the industry who are a true reflection of students' perceptions.
The exciting part of it all is that we can change perceptions, we can portray our wonderful industry as a well-paid industry, we can shout about the endless benefits of being part of hospitality, we can shout about how much fun there is, and we must be truthful about that life in hospitality does have moments that are busy, yet exciting. But we must be honest about it. We can’t wing it, treat it as a short-term strategy, a plaster on a broken leg. We MUST change this, together, and with the amazing organisations that work endlessly for the benefit of our industry.
One act changes nothing, you may think. I started my articles three months ago, and have now over 1000 impressions, 100’s of people reading the articles, and over 500 subscribers, so it shows that you only need ONE to start the snowball effect. And imagine the impact you can have, engaging with the right organisations, shouting about what you do, going the extra mile for our industry’s future, and truthfully Be The Change that we as an industry need. And when you do, collaborate and shout about it. That is the only way we can become the ‘MythBusters’, changing perceptions of our potential future talent. The UK Government is not going to do it for you, your company is unlikely to do it without you being an ambassador for change, and in fact, you have the future in your hand. So, who should we look for? I suggest that we start with the following, in no order of preference.
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With regards to the Living Wage Foundation , if you already pay the Living Wage, register and shout about it. Use it in your marketing materials, use it in your recruitment strategy, use it in your people strategy, and include the minimal cost in your budget. Trust me when I say that hoping that things will be better by sitting passively as the audience in the play ‘I did Nothing – The Musical that meant nothing, you will achieve just that, NOTHING.
However, get on the train, Be The Change, and you will be part of the elite that changes perceptions through ethical employment and honest messaging.
We are not a Living Wage employer because we are successful, we are successful because we are a Living Wage employer.
Where to start? Start small by deciding whether you believe in me or not. If you do, take the first step, and review your modus operandi. If you need help with the first step, or to keep the momentum positively and constructively, let me know.
So, as I recover from my experiences, and plan new escapades, my attention is firmly on the announcement coming on 22nd September regarding the new Living Wage rates. And hopefully, reading about your experiences and successes. As always, feel free to comment honestly, and share/use freely.
If not now, when. Be The Change
Note – all comments and opinions in my articles are true reflections of reality, either general, industry-specific, or company-specific. I encourage full buy-in from all stakeholders, and that you engage with nationwide collaborators. My milestones are defined by how I can drive awareness and change. If I only can change one person’s engagement, then that is one more than none. ?
My strategy is to deliver change in an engaging, positive, financially rewarding, and sustainable manner. If I can use these skills to earn a living, amazing. I am more interested in joining hospitality organisations that are honest in their ethical beliefs and require support in delivering exceptional fiscal and emotional results, sustainably through circular and strategic thinking and actions. ?