How Growth in Accommodation and Food Services Jobs is Impacting HR in New Zealand | ReadyTech Workforce Solutions
The hospitality industry is the backbone of tourism, and it’s no secret that the pandemic and travel restrictions have had a significant impact on the sector. However, the latest figures released by Stats NZ show that there has been an 8.9 percent annual increase in filled job numbers in the accommodation and food services for the year ending March 2023. This is excellent news for the industry and the country at large, and it’s important to understand what has contributed to this growth.
In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the reasons behind the rise in job numbers in the hospitality sector in New Zealand and what it means for HR professionals in the industry.
8.9 percent annual increase in filled job numbers in the accommodation and food services for the year ending March 2023.
Opening of New Zealand’s Borders and Rise in Overseas Visitors
The growth in job numbers in the hospitality sector coincides with the opening of New Zealand’s borders and a rise in overseas visitors since the middle of last year. The pandemic had significantly impacted international travel for over two years, and the hospitality industry bore the brunt of this. However, as international travel resumed, there has been a surge in the number of people visiting New Zealand, and this has led to the creation of new jobs in the accommodation and food services industry.
Strong Lift in Job Numbers During the Latter Part of 2022
The figures show that there was a strong lift in job numbers during the latter part of 2022, and this trend has continued into this year. This could be attributed to the fact that more people are venturing out of their homes, restaurants, and cafes. Furthermore, people are willing to spend money on food, accommodation, and travel after a long period of uncertainty and restrictions.
Nearly Twice the Next Largest Increase
The annual increase in accommodation and food services filled jobs was nearly twice that of the next largest increase – professional, scientific and technical services, which was up 6,227 jobs (3.5 percent) in the March 2023 quarter compared with the March 2022 quarter. This indicates that the hospitality industry is a vital contributor to the economic recovery of the country.
Availability of Part-Time and Full-Time Jobs
The increase in employment opportunities in the hospitality sector is not just limited to full-time positions. There has been a rise in part-time job numbers as well. This is excellent news for HR professionals as it means that businesses can cater to a wider range of people with different employment requirements.
Technology solutions like cloud-based talent management systems can help simplify the recruitment process and streamline the onboarding and engagement process. For instance, an existing customer, Millbrook Resort (a luxury five-star accommodation and golf resort located in Arrowtown, New Zealand) have been able to address their workforce management challenges while delivering on sustainability goals by leveraging on an all-in-one cloud-based solution.
In conclusion, the increase in job numbers in the hospitality sector in New Zealand is a promising sign of the country’s economic recovery. The opening of New Zealand’s borders and a rise in overseas visitors are key contributors to this growth. As HR professionals in the industry navigate this new phase of recruitment, it is vital to have the right tools and resources at their disposal to attract and retain top talent and drive business success in the hospitality industry.
