Big ideas to solve workforce challenges like this one are found across our #Tourism industry.
As outlined in Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)'s July #VisitorEconomy News, Barry Iddles of Restaurant 360Q began purposefully recruiting retirees and mature-age workers to plug worker shortfalls.
That’s just one of many benefits to hiring mature Australians, Iddles says.
His older staff have been quick to learn, have great #CustomerSkills and have 'been absolutely amazing’.
Iddles’ decision to hire older workers came amid post-COVID staff shortages. An accidental encounter sparked the idea.
He was clearing tables at a friend’s restaurant, when a customer asked him how old he was. He realised if he had the energy for the job at 66, other seniors would.
The restaurant’s regular winter postcard included an invitation to retirees to apply for positions. Iddles distributed 42,000 postcards across Bellarine Peninsula and region attracting many applications and media coverage.
2 years on, Iddles has older workers in his #Restaurant and upstairs function room with 7 mature-age Aussies on roster typically working 3-5 hour shifts among his 70 strong team. Some work only a shift or 2 a week, others more.
None has a #Hospitality background. Instead, they’ve been nurses, retail workers and more.
Among them is waiter/dishwasher Kenton, 68, a former food importer. When COVID upended his plans, he found a job with more shifts at Restaurant 360Q.
Susie, 74, a former shop-owner who moved to the area wanted a job to get to know people and rebuild her confidence.
Another staff member, Ken, came to 360Q because his wife at a lunch told Iddles that her husband was thinking of applying but didn’t have a CV. ‘He was 73,’ says Iddles. ‘I said, at that age you’d have some life experience, and I don't need a CV!’
That experience and a thorough training program have seen everyone slot right in. Older staff forged strong bonds with younger ones – at work and outside. The camaraderie across generations has made the team a well-oiled machine.
The Australian visitor economy is still facing labour shortages. Iddles is looking to take on more returning #Retirees for the season.
‘Our population is getter older & I recommend this to every other employer in Australia. It’s vital. It gives an amazing balance in the workforce. It’s just been so successful.’
Building a secure and resilient workforce is a THRIVE 2030 priority - that's Australia’s national strategy for the visitor economy.
Mature-age workers bring benefits from a lifetime of experience with transferable skills useful in tourism. They are resilient, with the ability to relate to a variety of people.
Changes to the #WorkBonus gives Age Pensioners incentives to work more hours and support sectors including tourism.
We have more information to support you in recruiting and retaining older workers: https://lnkd.in/gcBVU4mx
#Workforce #Recruitment
Branch Manager
4moMy favorite way to eat pineapple is sliced or in a smoothy, but Pineapple upside-down Cake is pretty good too! 😋🍍