GITNUXREPORT 2025

Upskilling And Reskilling In The Foodservice Industry Statistics

Upskilling boosts customer satisfaction, retention, sales, and operational efficiency.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

58% of restaurant staff who upskill report higher job satisfaction

Statistic 2

44% of restaurant employees report feeling more empowered after participating in upskilling initiatives

Statistic 3

71% of foodservice employees feel that career development through upskilling enhances job loyalty

Statistic 4

39% of restaurants plan to use gamified learning modules to increase engagement in training processes

Statistic 5

55% of foodservice workers indicate that digital badge certifications motivate them to participate in ongoing training

Statistic 6

74% of foodservice employees believe that having access to regular training makes them feel more valued at work

Statistic 7

45% of restaurant staff report increased motivation after receiving targeted upskilling opportunities

Statistic 8

The use of virtual reality training in foodservice increased by 150% during 2022

Statistic 9

The adoption of e-learning platforms in foodservice increased by 140% during the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistic 10

67% of foodservice companies believe that training in sustainable practices is becoming increasingly important

Statistic 11

72% of restaurant chains invest in leadership development as part of their reskilling efforts

Statistic 12

65% of foodservice managers believe upskilling is essential to meet rising customer expectations

Statistic 13

42% of foodservice employees have attended at least one training program in the last year

Statistic 14

78% of restaurant owners feel that continuous learning improves staff retention

Statistic 15

The global foodservice industry is expected to invest over $3 billion annually in employee training programs by 2025

Statistic 16

35% of foodservice businesses have integrated digital upskilling platforms

Statistic 17

Only 23% of foodservice employees feel confident in their digital skills, highlighting a need for reskilling

Statistic 18

52% of foodservice operators plan to increase their investment in employee upskilling in the next year

Statistic 19

60% of customers prefer restaurants with well-trained staff, influencing industry focus on upskilling

Statistic 20

Over 70% of foodservice employees believe that upskilling can lead to career advancement

Statistic 21

45% of restaurant managers say that employee reskilling reduces staff turnover

Statistic 22

80% of foodservice businesses report difficulties finding staff with adequate digital skills

Statistic 23

48% of fast-food chains have implemented AI-based training tools to upskill staff

Statistic 24

55% of foodservice employees said that training programs improve their productivity

Statistic 25

65% of restaurant chains plan to expand their reskilling initiatives to include management training

Statistic 26

72% of foodservice staff believe that ongoing training helps them stay current with industry trends

Statistic 27

38% of restaurant employees said they would stay longer at their current job if offered more educational opportunities

Statistic 28

89% of restaurant operators agree that employee training is critical to customer satisfaction

Statistic 29

Digital upskilling initiatives in foodservice reduced service errors by 25%, according to recent studies

Statistic 30

41% of foodservice employers have seen an increase in employee engagement as a result of upskilling programs

Statistic 31

The average cost of employee turnover in the foodservice sector is $2,600 per employee, emphasizing the importance of reskilling for retention

Statistic 32

50% of foodservice businesses plan to increase their use of online training modules by 2024

Statistic 33

70% of consumers prefer to dine at establishments with well-trained staff, making upskilling a competitive differentiator

Statistic 34

37% of restaurant owners reported that digital literacy is a top priority for upskilling initiatives

Statistic 35

44% of foodservice employees feel unprepared for new technology implementations without proper training

Statistic 36

Reskilling initiatives focused on automation skills grew by 120% in 2022 within the foodservice industry

Statistic 37

67% of restaurant managers believe that cross-training staff improves operational flexibility

Statistic 38

54% of foodservice companies report a measurable increase in sales after employee upskilling programs

Statistic 39

30% of foodservice workers consider upskilling opportunities as the primary reason to stay with their employer

Statistic 40

83% of restaurant industry leaders see upskilling and reskilling as vital to future growth

Statistic 41

62% of foodservice employees report that flexible training schedules improve their participation in upskilling programs

Statistic 42

40% of restaurant chains have partnered with educational institutions to provide formal training programs

Statistic 43

49% of foodservice operators believe that upskilling can reduce the skill gap significantly within their teams

Statistic 44

78% of employees who receive continuous training report feeling more confident in their roles

Statistic 45

53% of foodservice jobs requiring technical skills have reported difficulty in finding qualified candidates, emphasizing reskilling needs

Statistic 46

70% of foodservice managers think investing in staff training can lead to higher customer loyalty

Statistic 47

46% of restaurants have introduced microlearning modules as part of their upskilling strategies

Statistic 48

61% of foodservice employees stated that they prefer digital learning over traditional classroom training

Statistic 49

54% of foodservice businesses believe that upskilling reduces operational downtime

Statistic 50

82% of restaurant operators identified technology training as critical to their staff’s development

Statistic 51

30% of foodservice workers have left a job due to lack of upskilling opportunities, highlighting retention issues

Statistic 52

68% of restaurant chains report that upskilling contributes to better team collaboration

Statistic 53

The average time taken to reskill a foodservice employee is approximately 3 months, which results in quicker adaptation to technological changes

Statistic 54

39% of fast-casual restaurants plan to implement AR-based training modules in the next two years

Statistic 55

85% of foodservice industry leaders agree that ongoing education is fundamental to innovation

Statistic 56

53% of restaurant staff expressed a desire for more career development opportunities through upskilling

Statistic 57

61% of managers report that cross-functional training leads to improved problem-solving

Statistic 58

47% of foodservice establishments offer specialized training for allergen management and safety

Statistic 59

70% of restaurant employees believe that digital literacy training would improve their ability to handle online orders and reservations

Statistic 60

66% of foodservice companies provide customized learning paths for different roles, which accelerates upskilling

Statistic 61

54% of foodservice businesses have seen a reduction in onboarding time due to targeted upskilling programs

Statistic 62

85% of managers believe that reskilling prevents skill obsolescence in the fast-evolving food industry

Statistic 63

56% of restaurant chains plan to increase their investment in training technology in 2024

Statistic 64

69% of foodservice workers believe that upskilling opportunities influence their decision to stay with an employer long-term

Statistic 65

65% of foodservice businesses have adopted mobile learning app solutions for employee training

Statistic 66

60% of foodservice employees reported that visual learning aids improve their understanding of new procedures

Statistic 67

77% of restaurant managers agree that upskilling improves overall operational efficiency

Statistic 68

54% of foodservice establishments report that reskilling initiatives lead to a more adaptable workforce

Statistic 69

88% of foodservice industry leaders state that regular training updates are crucial due to rapidly changing technology

Statistic 70

46% of restaurant staff cite lack of training as a reason for poor service, emphasizing the need for proactive upskilling

Statistic 71

The return on investment (ROI) for digital upskilling initiatives in the foodservice industry averaged 150% in 2023, according to industry reports

Statistic 72

54% of restaurant owners report that upskilling helps in compliance with health and safety regulations

Statistic 73

70% of restaurant managers believe that continuous learning helps manage labor shortages more effectively

Statistic 74

64% of foodservice employees expressed interest in leadership training available through upskilling programs

Statistic 75

81% of foodservice organizations found that microlearning reduces training time and costs

Statistic 76

62% of restaurant chains say that integrating AI into training improves personalized learning experiences

Statistic 77

45% of foodservice establishments report that reskilling initiatives directly contributed to increased sales

Statistic 78

69% of managers believe that upskilling reduces the need for external recruitment, saving costs and time

Statistic 79

61% of foodservice workers prefer digital learning platforms due to convenience and flexibility

Statistic 80

46% of restaurants have adopted sustainability training modules as part of their upskilling programs

Statistic 81

53% of foodservice organizations reported improved compliance with food safety standards after reskilling employees

Statistic 82

70% of restaurant staff see upskilling as a pathway to higher wages

Statistic 83

The implementation of modular training components led to a 35% decrease in onboarding time, according to recent case studies

Statistic 84

81% of foodservice companies aim to develop digital literacy skills among their workforce by 2025

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Sources

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Key Highlights

65% of foodservice managers believe upskilling is essential to meet rising customer expectations
42% of foodservice employees have attended at least one training program in the last year
78% of restaurant owners feel that continuous learning improves staff retention
The global foodservice industry is expected to invest over $3 billion annually in employee training programs by 2025
58% of restaurant staff who upskill report higher job satisfaction
35% of foodservice businesses have integrated digital upskilling platforms
Only 23% of foodservice employees feel confident in their digital skills, highlighting a need for reskilling
52% of foodservice operators plan to increase their investment in employee upskilling in the next year
60% of customers prefer restaurants with well-trained staff, influencing industry focus on upskilling
Over 70% of foodservice employees believe that upskilling can lead to career advancement
45% of restaurant managers say that employee reskilling reduces staff turnover
80% of foodservice businesses report difficulties finding staff with adequate digital skills
48% of fast-food chains have implemented AI-based training tools to upskill staff

In an industry where customer expectations are rising faster than ever, foodservice providers are recognizing that investing billions annually in upskilling and reskilling initiatives—not only boosts employee confidence and satisfaction but also drives operational efficiency and long-term growth.

Employee Engagement and Motivation

58% of restaurant staff who upskill report higher job satisfaction
44% of restaurant employees report feeling more empowered after participating in upskilling initiatives
71% of foodservice employees feel that career development through upskilling enhances job loyalty
39% of restaurants plan to use gamified learning modules to increase engagement in training processes
55% of foodservice workers indicate that digital badge certifications motivate them to participate in ongoing training
74% of foodservice employees believe that having access to regular training makes them feel more valued at work
45% of restaurant staff report increased motivation after receiving targeted upskilling opportunities

Employee Engagement and Motivation Interpretation

As the foodservice industry increasingly invests in upskilling and reskilling—evidenced by higher job satisfaction, empowerment, and loyalty—it's clear that fostering a culture of continuous learning is not just a menu addition but the secret ingredient to a motivated and valued workforce.

Industry Growth and Trends

The use of virtual reality training in foodservice increased by 150% during 2022
The adoption of e-learning platforms in foodservice increased by 140% during the COVID-19 pandemic
67% of foodservice companies believe that training in sustainable practices is becoming increasingly important

Industry Growth and Trends Interpretation

Amidst a 150% surge in virtual reality and a 140% rise in e-learning platforms during the pandemic, foodservice companies are recognizing that mastering sustainable practices is no longer optional but essential for future success.

Leadership Investment and Training

72% of restaurant chains invest in leadership development as part of their reskilling efforts

Leadership Investment and Training Interpretation

With 72% of restaurant chains prioritizing leadership development in their reskilling initiatives, they're not just sharpening knives but also honing leaders to serve up success in a rapidly evolving industry.

Workforce Development and Upskilling

65% of foodservice managers believe upskilling is essential to meet rising customer expectations
42% of foodservice employees have attended at least one training program in the last year
78% of restaurant owners feel that continuous learning improves staff retention
The global foodservice industry is expected to invest over $3 billion annually in employee training programs by 2025
35% of foodservice businesses have integrated digital upskilling platforms
Only 23% of foodservice employees feel confident in their digital skills, highlighting a need for reskilling
52% of foodservice operators plan to increase their investment in employee upskilling in the next year
60% of customers prefer restaurants with well-trained staff, influencing industry focus on upskilling
Over 70% of foodservice employees believe that upskilling can lead to career advancement
45% of restaurant managers say that employee reskilling reduces staff turnover
80% of foodservice businesses report difficulties finding staff with adequate digital skills
48% of fast-food chains have implemented AI-based training tools to upskill staff
55% of foodservice employees said that training programs improve their productivity
65% of restaurant chains plan to expand their reskilling initiatives to include management training
72% of foodservice staff believe that ongoing training helps them stay current with industry trends
38% of restaurant employees said they would stay longer at their current job if offered more educational opportunities
89% of restaurant operators agree that employee training is critical to customer satisfaction
Digital upskilling initiatives in foodservice reduced service errors by 25%, according to recent studies
41% of foodservice employers have seen an increase in employee engagement as a result of upskilling programs
The average cost of employee turnover in the foodservice sector is $2,600 per employee, emphasizing the importance of reskilling for retention
50% of foodservice businesses plan to increase their use of online training modules by 2024
70% of consumers prefer to dine at establishments with well-trained staff, making upskilling a competitive differentiator
37% of restaurant owners reported that digital literacy is a top priority for upskilling initiatives
44% of foodservice employees feel unprepared for new technology implementations without proper training
Reskilling initiatives focused on automation skills grew by 120% in 2022 within the foodservice industry
67% of restaurant managers believe that cross-training staff improves operational flexibility
54% of foodservice companies report a measurable increase in sales after employee upskilling programs
30% of foodservice workers consider upskilling opportunities as the primary reason to stay with their employer
83% of restaurant industry leaders see upskilling and reskilling as vital to future growth
62% of foodservice employees report that flexible training schedules improve their participation in upskilling programs
40% of restaurant chains have partnered with educational institutions to provide formal training programs
49% of foodservice operators believe that upskilling can reduce the skill gap significantly within their teams
78% of employees who receive continuous training report feeling more confident in their roles
53% of foodservice jobs requiring technical skills have reported difficulty in finding qualified candidates, emphasizing reskilling needs
70% of foodservice managers think investing in staff training can lead to higher customer loyalty
46% of restaurants have introduced microlearning modules as part of their upskilling strategies
61% of foodservice employees stated that they prefer digital learning over traditional classroom training
54% of foodservice businesses believe that upskilling reduces operational downtime
82% of restaurant operators identified technology training as critical to their staff’s development
30% of foodservice workers have left a job due to lack of upskilling opportunities, highlighting retention issues
68% of restaurant chains report that upskilling contributes to better team collaboration
The average time taken to reskill a foodservice employee is approximately 3 months, which results in quicker adaptation to technological changes
39% of fast-casual restaurants plan to implement AR-based training modules in the next two years
85% of foodservice industry leaders agree that ongoing education is fundamental to innovation
53% of restaurant staff expressed a desire for more career development opportunities through upskilling
61% of managers report that cross-functional training leads to improved problem-solving
47% of foodservice establishments offer specialized training for allergen management and safety
70% of restaurant employees believe that digital literacy training would improve their ability to handle online orders and reservations
66% of foodservice companies provide customized learning paths for different roles, which accelerates upskilling
54% of foodservice businesses have seen a reduction in onboarding time due to targeted upskilling programs
85% of managers believe that reskilling prevents skill obsolescence in the fast-evolving food industry
56% of restaurant chains plan to increase their investment in training technology in 2024
69% of foodservice workers believe that upskilling opportunities influence their decision to stay with an employer long-term
65% of foodservice businesses have adopted mobile learning app solutions for employee training
60% of foodservice employees reported that visual learning aids improve their understanding of new procedures
77% of restaurant managers agree that upskilling improves overall operational efficiency
54% of foodservice establishments report that reskilling initiatives lead to a more adaptable workforce
88% of foodservice industry leaders state that regular training updates are crucial due to rapidly changing technology
46% of restaurant staff cite lack of training as a reason for poor service, emphasizing the need for proactive upskilling
The return on investment (ROI) for digital upskilling initiatives in the foodservice industry averaged 150% in 2023, according to industry reports
54% of restaurant owners report that upskilling helps in compliance with health and safety regulations
70% of restaurant managers believe that continuous learning helps manage labor shortages more effectively
64% of foodservice employees expressed interest in leadership training available through upskilling programs
81% of foodservice organizations found that microlearning reduces training time and costs
62% of restaurant chains say that integrating AI into training improves personalized learning experiences
45% of foodservice establishments report that reskilling initiatives directly contributed to increased sales
69% of managers believe that upskilling reduces the need for external recruitment, saving costs and time
61% of foodservice workers prefer digital learning platforms due to convenience and flexibility
46% of restaurants have adopted sustainability training modules as part of their upskilling programs
53% of foodservice organizations reported improved compliance with food safety standards after reskilling employees
70% of restaurant staff see upskilling as a pathway to higher wages
The implementation of modular training components led to a 35% decrease in onboarding time, according to recent case studies
81% of foodservice companies aim to develop digital literacy skills among their workforce by 2025

Workforce Development and Upskilling Interpretation

As the foodservice industry races to satisfy rising customer expectations, it’s clear that investing over $3 billion annually in employee training and embracing digital upskilling aren't just smart strategies—they're vital to transforming staff from mere servers into tech-savvy, customer-centric catalysts for future growth.