GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Diversity In The Hospitality Industry Statistics

Providing diverse and inclusive environments in the hospitality industry has been shown to improve employee morale, customer satisfaction, and overall business performance.

Highlights: Diversity In The Hospitality Industry Statistics

  • The number of businesses of color in the hospitality sector increased by 123.2% between 2007 and 2012.
  • Around 95% of employees in hospitality agree that the sector is diverse,
  • According to a 2016 study, about 33% of hospitality workers felt racial discrimination at work.
  • 25% of hospitality businesses lack enough employees with digital skills and 32% face language skills challenges.
  • There has been a 19% increase in women chefs in the UK over five years, as of 2019.
  • Inequality in the hospitality sector has resulted in more than 25% of workers searching for different positions outside of the industry.
  • The top five highest earning ethnic groups in the hospitality and foodservice industry are all non-white.
  • Only 33% of hospitality businesses have a written diversity & inclusion policy.
  • Over 90% of hotel general managers in the United States are white.
  • Over 60% of the hospitality and tourism workforce is made up of female employees, however only 17% of them are in senior or leadership positions.
  • In the hospitality industry, 13% of people in leadership positions are people of color.
  • Only 2.12% of all directors of UK-based hospitality and leisure companies are Black.
  • At 26%, African Americans make up a significant portion of the hospitality workforce, but only 1.5% ascend to the c-suite.

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The Latest Diversity In The Hospitality Industry Statistics Explained

The number of businesses of color in the hospitality sector increased by 123.2% between 2007 and 2012.

The statistic indicates a significant growth in the number of businesses owned by people of color within the hospitality sector over the five-year period from 2007 to 2012. Specifically, there was a notable increase of 123.2%, suggesting a more than doubling of such businesses during this timeframe. This substantial growth may reflect a variety of factors such as increased support for diverse entrepreneurship, changes in market demand, or policy initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and equity within the industry. The statistic highlights a positive trend towards greater diversity and representation within the hospitality sector, potentially bringing about economic empowerment and strengthening the overall industry landscape.

Around 95% of employees in hospitality agree that the sector is diverse,

The statistic indicating that around 95% of employees in the hospitality industry agree that the sector is diverse suggests a strong perception of diversity within this specific industry. This high percentage implies that the majority of hospitality workers perceive a wide range of background, experiences, and perspectives among their colleagues. A diverse workforce in hospitality can bring various benefits such as creativity, innovation, and improved cultural competence. However, it is important to note that this statistic may not fully reflect the actual level of diversity within the industry, as perceptions of diversity can be influenced by various factors and may not always align with objective measures of diversity.

According to a 2016 study, about 33% of hospitality workers felt racial discrimination at work.

The statistic indicates that in a 2016 study, approximately one-third of hospitality workers reported experiencing racial discrimination in the workplace. This finding suggests a significant prevalence of discriminatory behavior within the hospitality industry, which can have negative impacts on the well-being and job satisfaction of affected employees. The statistic highlights the importance of addressing and combating racial discrimination in the workplace to create a more inclusive and diverse environment that promotes equity and fairness for all workers. Further investigation and action may be needed to better understand the root causes of such discrimination and implement strategies to prevent and address it effectively.

25% of hospitality businesses lack enough employees with digital skills and 32% face language skills challenges.

This statistic suggests that a significant portion of hospitality businesses are struggling with workforce challenges related to digital and language skills. Specifically, a quarter of these businesses do not have enough employees with the necessary digital skills, which could hinder their ability to adapt to technological advancements and efficiently serve customers in an increasingly digital world. Additionally, nearly one-third of hospitality businesses are facing language skills challenges, potentially impacting communication with customers and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Addressing these workforce gaps through targeted training and recruitment efforts may be essential for hospitality businesses to remain competitive and provide high-quality services in today’s global and digitally-driven marketplace.

There has been a 19% increase in women chefs in the UK over five years, as of 2019.

The statistic indicates that there has been a substantial 19% growth in the number of women chefs working in the UK over a five-year period leading up to 2019. This increase suggests a positive trend towards more gender diversity and representation in the culinary industry. The rise in the presence of women in this traditionally male-dominated profession can potentially reflect changing social attitudes, increased opportunities for women in professional kitchens, and efforts to promote equality in the workplace. Overall, the statistic highlights a significant shift towards a more inclusive and diverse culinary landscape in the UK.

Inequality in the hospitality sector has resulted in more than 25% of workers searching for different positions outside of the industry.

The statistic indicates that there is a significant level of inequality within the hospitality sector, as evidenced by more than a quarter of its workforce actively seeking opportunities outside of the industry. This suggests that a sizeable portion of hospitality workers are dissatisfied with their current roles, likely due to issues related to pay disparities, lack of career advancement opportunities, or poor working conditions. The high rate of workers looking to leave the industry underscores the urgent need for addressing inequities within the sector to retain talent, improve employee satisfaction, and foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

The top five highest earning ethnic groups in the hospitality and foodservice industry are all non-white.

The statistic that the top five highest earning ethnic groups in the hospitality and foodservice industry are all non-white suggests that there is a notable disparity in earnings within the industry based on ethnicity. This finding challenges the common perception that certain white ethnic groups may dominate higher-paying positions in this field. The data highlights the presence of diverse ethnic backgrounds among the top earners in the industry, indicating that success and earning potential are not solely determined by one’s racial or ethnic background. Further analysis may uncover underlying factors contributing to this trend, such as representation, discrimination, or opportunities for advancement within the industry.

Only 33% of hospitality businesses have a written diversity & inclusion policy.

This statistic indicates that a relatively low proportion, specifically 33%, of hospitality businesses have formalized diversity and inclusion policies in writing. This suggests that a significant portion of businesses within the hospitality industry may not have specific guidelines or frameworks in place to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within their operations or workforce. Companies with written diversity and inclusion policies are likely more intentional and proactive in addressing and nurturing a diverse and inclusive work environment, which can lead to improved employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall organizational success in the long term.

Over 90% of hotel general managers in the United States are white.

The statistic that over 90% of hotel general managers in the United States are white indicates a lack of diversity within the leadership ranks of the hospitality industry. This statistic suggests that there is a disproportionately low representation of racial minorities in senior management positions within hotels across the country. This lack of diversity may have implications for issues such as inclusivity, equity, and access to opportunities for individuals from underrepresented racial backgrounds in the industry. Addressing this disparity and promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives within the hotel management sector may lead to a more representative and equitable workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the United States population.

Over 60% of the hospitality and tourism workforce is made up of female employees, however only 17% of them are in senior or leadership positions.

This statistic indicates a significant gender disparity within the hospitality and tourism workforce. While women make up the majority of employees in this industry at over 60%, there is a considerable underrepresentation of women in senior or leadership positions, with only 17% holding such roles. This suggests that there are barriers or challenges preventing women from advancing to higher levels of leadership within the industry, highlighting issues related to gender equality, discrimination, and career advancement opportunities. Addressing this disparity is crucial for promoting diversity and inclusivity within the hospitality and tourism sector, as well as ensuring that all employees have equal opportunities for career growth and development.

In the hospitality industry, 13% of people in leadership positions are people of color.

The statistic “In the hospitality industry, 13% of people in leadership positions are people of color” indicates the representation of individuals from racial or ethnic minority groups within leadership roles in the hospitality sector. This statistic implies that there is a notable underrepresentation of people of color in leadership positions within this industry. It suggests that there may be diversity and inclusion challenges within the hospitality sector that could impact opportunities for individuals from underrepresented groups to advance to leadership roles. Organizations in the hospitality industry may benefit from focusing on diversity and inclusion initiatives to address these disparities and create more equitable opportunities for leadership positions for people of color.

Only 2.12% of all directors of UK-based hospitality and leisure companies are Black.

This statistic indicates that there is a significant underrepresentation of Black individuals in director positions within UK-based hospitality and leisure companies, with only 2.12% of directors identified as Black. This suggests a lack of diversity and inclusivity within the leadership of these organizations, potentially stemming from systemic barriers to advancement and opportunities for Black professionals in the sector. Addressing this disparity is crucial for promoting equality, representation, and diverse perspectives within the industry, which can lead to improved decision-making, innovation, and overall organizational success.

At 26%, African Americans make up a significant portion of the hospitality workforce, but only 1.5% ascend to the c-suite.

This statistic highlights the disparity within the hospitality industry where African Americans constitute a sizable 26% of the workforce yet are substantially underrepresented at the highest executive level, with only 1.5% reaching the c-suite positions. The discrepancy between the proportion of African American employees in the industry and their representation in top leadership positions suggests that there may be barriers or systemic issues hindering their advancement in the corporate hierarchy. Addressing these disparities could involve implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives, providing equal opportunities for career development and advancement, and fostering a more inclusive organizational culture that values and promotes diversity at all levels of leadership.

References

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4. – https://www.www.washingtonpost.com

5. – https://www.www.npsi.info

6. – https://www.www.independent.co.uk

7. – https://www.www.bighospitality.co.uk

8. – https://www.tidel.com

9. – https://www.www.td.org

10. – https://www.lep.london

11. – https://www.skift.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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