Reimagining hospitality careers with CoralTree President Tom Luersen

Good morning. Today, we’re looking at:

• Feature story: Reimagining hospitality careers with CoralTree President Tom Luersen (full story below)

• People: U.S. Hotels Continue Job Growth, but Still Below Pre-Pandemic Levels (by Rashaad Jorden, Skift)

• Commercial: Collaboration Grows Among Hotel Commercial Strategy Teams (by Trevor Simpson, Hotels News Now)

• Investing: Selecting the Right Operating Partner to Maximise Returns (by Ifeoluwa Taiwo, Hospitality Investor)

• Design: At London’s Dorchester, a Transformation James Bond Would Approve Of (by David Eisen, Hotels Magazine)

Reimagining Hospitality Careers

with Tom Luersen, President, CoralTree Hospitality Group

Tom Luersen has a unique perspective on attracting and retaining top talent in the hospitality industry. Through four decades of increasing leadership responsibility, Tom has weathered numerous shifts in the market and successfully navigated a wide range of emerging trends. Today, his insights on people stand out amid a shortage of those interested in building a career in hospitality.

Rethinking Hiring Practices

The past few years have challenged the traditional ways in which hospitality businesses hire. In the wake of the pandemic, the industry faced a reality where experienced employees were reevaluating their career choices and questioning the stability and appeal of the industry.

Tom suggests that instead of relying solely on recruiting experienced staff from within the industry, hospitality providers should look beyond traditional boundaries and consider candidates from different sectors. People ranging from the charismatic gas station attendant to the friendly doctor's receptionist may not have direct experience, but they do possess a spirit of hospitality that is harder to teach than industry-specific skills.

A fresh perspective from these people with different backgrounds can bring creative and innovative solutions that might have been missed by companies that maintain the status quo in recruiting.

Embracing Flexibility

The days of expecting staff to work 40-hour weeks with weekend availability have faded for many more roles than before, making way for a more adaptable approach.

Tom has seen that by offering flexible working hours, hospitality providers can attract a diverse range of people. From retirees seeking part-time work to individuals looking for a better work-life balance, we can provide them an opportunity to do what they love on their terms.

Offering remote work options where possible is another way to attract talent. The past years have shown that many jobs, like those in reservation centers, can be done effectively from home, increasing employee satisfaction and productivity.

Building a Career in Hospitality

One key aspect Tom emphasizes is the potential for career growth within the hospitality industry. It's an industry where one can start from the ground floor and rise to the top through hard work, dedication, and passion.

It’s important for all to remember that the hospitality industry's scope extends far beyond traditional roles in hotels and resorts. Regardless of one's field of expertise—be it marketing, accounting, engineering, or human resources—there is a place to put those skills to work in hospitality.

Retaining Talent: A Balance Between Turnover and Stability

In any industry, employee retention is a concern, and the hospitality industry is no exception. Tom believes that “strategic turnover,” where fresh perspectives are continually introduced, can be healthy. At the same time, it is crucial to keep key contributors in our businesses. That’s why we need to strike a delicate balance between fostering stability and encouraging innovation.

Ultimately, hospitality is a people business. It will always need caring, dedicated, and talented individuals to thrive. That’s why hospitality businesses should constantly strive to attract the best talent by offering a supportive work environment that encourages personal growth and career development.

By reimagining hospitality careers and embracing changes in hiring and retention, the industry can succeed in whatever environment lies ahead and continue to provide exceptional experiences for its guests, customers, and communities.

Listen to our full conversation now