Offering flexibility, career growth and skills development, the Irish hospitality sector has emerged triumphant from its COVID-19 slump, entering into what is likely to be its fourth consecutive year of increased staff retention and employee engagement.
This week's Galway Advertiser looks at the hospitality sector in the west, highlighting the benefits of working within the industry and offering advice from HR personnel from one of the country's most famous hotels, Ashford Castle.
Reduced recruitment and retention challenges
Having undergone a post-COVID-19 'glow up', the Irish hospitality industry is flying high in 2025.
According to Fáilte Ireland's '2024 Tourism Careers Labour Market Research' report conducted in partnership with Jobs.ie, the industry experienced its third consecutive year of increased talent retention and hiring potential. Attributed to 'improved work environments and conditions', the report noted that 64 per cent of those currently employed in tourism and hospitality are looking to stay within the sector, but warned that employers must remain 'competitive' to retain talent by 'offering career growth, skills development, and flexible work options'.
Commenting on the research report Christopher Paye, revenue director for The Stepstone Group in Ireland, with responsibility for Jobs.ie said, “With record numbers of people in work and continued low unemployment rates, there continues to be significant competition for talent across a range of sectors. In this recruitment environment, tourism and hospitality employers are proving to be responsive.
"Conducted in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, this research indicates that employers are evolving their talent offerings to attract top talent with flexibility, skills development and career progression a focus."
Important to 'remain competitive'
"Hospitality as an industry has always had a higher turnover level than others due to the seasonality of what we do -- but what is important for us at Ashford Castle, and for our industry, is to remain competitive," said Maureen Carroll, director of people and culture at Ashford Castle.
"In remaining competitive and attractive, Ashford Castle is focused on providing opportunities for career growth and opportunities while also remaining flexible. I think there is a space for people from all walks of life, backgrounds and status in hospitality. For a mother with school-age children, the flexibility of hospitality is perfect, offering the option for her to work during school hours for example. Alternatively, for people who have other responsibilities during the day and can only work in the evenings, there is work available for them during that time."
Caption: Despite the glowing industry forecasts, to maintain the high numbers of happy staff employers have been advised to 'remain competitive' to retain talent through 'offering career growth, skills development, and flexible work options'.
Growth and opportunity
"There is something in this industry for everyone and we in Ashford engage with everyone interested in working with us to find out what areas they enjoy working in, where in the hotel would best suit them and facilitate them in the development and skills in that area," said Maureen.
"We always aim to promote from within and prove a great opportunity for development. A number of our senior staff at Ashford who are in positions of great responsibility started in junior roles and I think people can have very rewarding careers in hotels where that progression is available, Ashford is proof of that."
Set amongst a 350-acre sprawling estate, Ashford Castle has become synonymous with luxury, boasting a sumptuous interior and facilities which include a 9-hole golf course, clay shooting, archery, tennis, a spa, traditional boating, lake cruising and falconry to name but a few. As such, the estate's needs and the roles of its staff go beyond what one would traditionally picture when thinking of hospitality.
"I regularly go to student fairs and often I will have young people come to me saying that they would be interested in working in Ashford, but that they also want to pursue IT, or veterinary, or accounting and I will often tell these students that Ashford needs people to work in all these areas too. You can follow your aspirations and also work within the castle and for us, we need those people who are interested in a few different areas to join our team.
"In many cases, Ashford will offer routes for progression that are easier to access and go further than routes towards growth in traditional IT or accounting companies. I myself started in operations and progressed into HR and it is the best of both worlds for me.
"It is about providing people the space, support and opportunity so that they can grow within their role."
Advice
When asked what advice she would give to someone interested in working at Ashford Castle, Maureen's answer is succinct -- "Call us."
"My first piece of advice I would give to anyone who wishes to work within the industry, or with us in Ashford, is to call us. Some people reaching out have experience in the industry, but some don't have any - that is not a problem for us, by calling us and talking about your interests and what you are looking for, we will have a far greater idea of where would suit to place them.
"We have so much variety and flexibility in Ashford and for us, it is about matching the right people to the areas where we have availability so that it best suits their needs while allowing them to develop in the future."
While the modern process of applying for a job is largely focused on applying to a listing online with a two-dimensional summary of who you are and what you have achieved, potential employees of Ashford Castle are urged to get in touch with the team directly.
"Ashford is for everyone, and through reaching out and talking to us we can help guide you through the recruitment process and ease any anxiety or worry. I often hear people say that they haven't written a CV in years and are worried about that and I always tell them not to panic, to get in touch with us instead. Send us an email, or pick up the phone and give us a call and we can chat.
"We are looking for people with a passion for hospitality and a natural want to look after people - because that is what we do at Ashford. We can help them to build their knowledge and skills while in the role, but that passion is the most important thing."