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Employer Branding for Hospitality Companies: 7 Strategies That Work

Ian Cook

The hospitality industry, including the hotel industry, beverage industry, restaurant industry and more, faces a competitive talent market.

High turnover rates and labor shortages make it crucial for companies to become an employer of choice.

Here are some statistics that are worth diving into:

  • The restaurant industry has a turnover rate of over 75% annually, making talent retention a major challenge (National Restaurant Association).
  • 60% of job seekers say that company culture is a deciding factor when applying for a job (Glassdoor).
  • A strong employer branding strategy can reduce recruiting costs by 50% and improve retention (Vouch).

7 Employer Branding Steps for Hospitality Companies

With the right talent attraction strategies, hospitality businesses like yours can position as desired employers, and attract talented employees who align with your company values.

So, let's get started:

Strategy 1. Use Video Content to Showcase Employee Stories

Video content is one of the most powerful employer branding tools. Using a platform like Vouch (vouchfor.com), hospitality companies can:

✔ Share employee testimonials to highlight workplace culture and career growth.

✔ Create a mix of videos showing real-life employee experiences.

✔ Showcase community involvement and employee journeys to build an emotional connection with potential employees.

💡 Example: Marriott International uses video series on social media to share stories of employee success, increasing social media impressions and employer brand visibility.

Strategy 2. Define a Strong Employee Value Proposition (EVP)

A clear employee value proposition (EVP) helps hospitality companies attract potential candidates by highlighting the following:

✔ Career development opportunities in management, culinary arts, and hospitality roles.

✔ A supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being and work-life balance.

✔ Employee benefits such as health insurance, career development programs, and employee recognition programs.

💡 Example: Hyatt Hotels promotes its EVP by focusing on continuous learning, career aspirations, and leadership development.

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Strategy 3. Strengthen Social Media Presence and Recruitment Marketing

A strong social media presence is essential for talent attraction strategies in the restaurant industry. Your companies should:

✔ Use social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok to showcase employee-generated content.

✔ Post about company culture, career opportunities, and community impact.

✔ Leverage Recruitment enablement and marketing to target job candidates on job boards and career sites.

💡 Example: Burger joint In-N-Out Burger uses social media campaigns to highlight its fun, inclusive culture and opportunities for growth.

Strategy 4. Build an Inclusive and Collaborative Company Culture

A strong corporate culture and company culture is a major factor in employee retention. Hospitality companies should focus on:

✔ Promoting an inclusive work environment that values diversity.

✔ Encouraging a strong sense of community and collaboration among employees.

✔ Engaging employees in community impact and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

💡 Example: Kimpton Hotels emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, positioning itself as an attractive employer in the hospitality industry.

Strategy 5. Optimize the Candidate Experience and Recruitment Process

A streamlined recruitment process improves the candidate experience and reduces the cost per hire. Hospitality companies should:

✔ Simplify job descriptions to clearly communicate expectations and growth opportunities.

✔ Provide timely feedback to prospective candidates throughout the hiring process.

✔ Use technology to track potential talent pools and improve hiring efficiency.

💡 Example: Electronic Arts uses AI-driven recruitment tools to ensure a seamless candidate experience and attract qualified candidates.

Strategy 6. Invest in Career Development and Employee Growth

Employee development is a key driver of retention in the hospitality industry. Companies should:

✔ Offer career growth programs and internal learning strategies to help employees advance within the company.

✔ Support training in industry standards, food safety, and business model management.

✔ Provide mentorship programs and leadership training for Junior Talent and high-potential employees.

Strategy 7. Recognize and Reward Employees for Their Contributions

A strong employer brand strategy includes employee recognition programs that reinforce a supportive environment. Companies should:

✔ Celebrate employee milestones and achievements publicly.

✔ Offer incentives like performance bonuses, career development programs, and wellness benefits.

✔ Use employee surveys and spotlight videos to measure employee satisfaction and adjust policies accordingly.

Summary: Building a Strong Employer Brand in the Hospitality Industry

A successful employer branding strategy helps hospitality companies attract and retain talented employees while improving your workplace culture.

By leveraging video content with Vouch, defining a strong EVP, optimizing social media campaigns, and prioritizing employee engagement, companies can create a dynamic work environment that appeals to potential employees.

Inclusive hospitality employers that focus on employee well-being, career aspirations, and continuous learning will gain a competitive advantage and become recognized as employers of choice in the industry.

FAQs

Why is employer branding important in the hospitality industry?

It helps companies attract and retain top talent in a competitive talent market.

How can video content improve employer branding?

Platforms like Vouch allow companies to share compelling stories and employee testimonials, making the brand more relatable.

What are the key elements of an EVP?

A strong EVP includes career opportunities, work-life balance, employee benefits, and inclusive culture.

How can social media help in recruitment?

Social media increases employer branding visibility and engages prospective candidates through employee-generated content.

What are some ways to improve employee retention?

Companies should offer career development, employee recognition programs, and a supportive work environment.

How does candidate experience impact employer branding?

A smooth recruitment process improves job candidate perceptions and helps companies attract the right talent.

What industries benefit most from employer branding?

The food industry, hospitality industry, and beverage industry all rely on strong employer branding efforts to attract and retain talent.

Enhance Your Employer Brand With Vouch

Loved by companies like Canva, Nike, Cisco, Stryker, HubSpot, Amazon, and more, tools like Vouch make leveraging video for employer branding remarkably easy.

Book a Vouch demo today and chat with an employer branding expert.

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Elevate Your Brand Today With Vouch

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