Leon Oh Swee Keong, a Singapore Institute of Technology hospitality student, had doubts about working in the hospitality industry. The image of it being “menial labour” plus the allure of better salaries from other sectors were factors holding him back. After attending WiT Singapore and listening to the possibilities of travel and how it could transform in the future, he’s having a change in heart. This is his learning from the conference.
Having been in the hospitality industry since my first job as a Starbucks barista, I have always wondered about the possibility of a career in this industry. The big-tech, financial and investment companies promise high salaries which undoubtedly makes the hospitality sector seem less alluring as a means of pursuing financial freedom.
The stigma of the hospitality industry being limited to menial roles such as front desk, housekeeping, and concierge positions, makes many belittle the work of the industry. I began to lose my pride for the industry, which further cemented my decision to pursue a career in a different field.
Despite these notions, the WiT conference managed to shift my perspective on the industry. Many topics were raised, broken down and discussed by subject matters – diversity, Web3, labour shortages, sustainability, and the metaverse. The discussions intrigued me to wonder how the hospitality sector would further develop in the future.
WiT Singapore 2022, Oct 3 – 5. Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center
Will travelling within the metaverse be common practice? Can hotels adopt zero single-use plastics? What about the new concierge—robots? Will we accept cryptocurrencies as a brand-new payment method? These boundless opportunities excited me to dream about what we could accomplish in the future.
After all, 20 years ago, people were not confident in the benefits of online travel agencies. And just 10 years ago, people debated over the incorporation of the QR code payment in hospitality. Look where we are now.
Leon Oh Swee Keong, Singapore Institute of Technology hospitality student
This has reignited my passion and purpose to be a part of the transformation and evolution of the hospitality industry. The next generation of leaders who are born into the digital age can break the tradition of hospitality as laggards to technology adoption and take the industry to a destination we have yet to reach.
Unfortunately, not every hospitality students shares the same sentiment, and not all students have the opportunity to attend the WiT conference. The Generation Z, also referred to as the post-Millennials, Gen Z, Gen Zers, and iGeneration, frequently associates hospitality with just hotels.
It’s not entirely wrong for them to perceive and categorise jobs in the hospitality industry as “menial labour”. Their perception is a result from their experience and encounter when travelling leisurely. Sadly, this has caused them to completely rule out the hospitality industry as a career option, which I can relate to that. Little did they know, outside of the four walls, there is so much more.
The irony is that Gen Z is more tech savvy than previous generations because it was raised in a highly developed technological environment. As the industry is moving towards digitalisation, it is imperative to help them view the hospitality industry from a different lens through education.
It is also important to note that, when it comes to career consideration, money has always been at the top of mind. There is a cap on how much wages can be raised for employees since labour costs already make up the majority of operating expenses. Hotels frequently hire the younger generation by appealing to their “passion” and promising a steady career progression. These tactics, however, have been shown to be ineffective, which contributes to the labour shortage we are currently experiencing.
We need to have a new mindset and start selling the “experience” of working in the hospitality industry. For example, creating opportunities for them to work abroad in other properties. Or give them a platform to advocate workplace sustainability or mental health. People desire a sense of accomplishment beyond menial work. We need to start having a shifted mindset and instil passion and inspiration in the younger generation because we can no longer rely on that small fraction of passionate people.
