The preeminent authority on leadership and talentconsulting services, today released results from a global tourism, travel and hospitality study highlighting that employees do not believe their expectations are being met when it comes to their employer’s structure, size, approach, culture and pace.

The study of 1,036 employees, of which Millennials accounted for 88 per cent of participants, surveyed 15 of the sector’s biggest names, including Hilton, Virgin Holidays and IHG, and uncovered workers have a clear vision when it comes to the personality of their preferred organisation. Employees favoured ‘Innovator’ – an organisation with a reputation for innovation and the development of ground-breaking products – as well as ‘Champion’, defined as a supportive, collaborative and exceptionally people-focused personality. The least favoured personality traits included both ‘Empire Builder’ and ‘Profiteer’.

A radical and daring attitude towards business was highly rated by professionals (64%) as is a business which is unconventional in terms of its culture (64%).This modern and entrepreneurial approach to the workplace was also reflected in the pace of work desired, with an agile and fast-paced environment being the ideal (61%). Additionally, whilst a good work/life balance was the most highly rated characteristic of an employer (35%), with ‘encouraging and supporting employee development’ (27%) a close second, this is not currently reflected in the industry. Both characteristics, alongside the need for a ‘structured approach to managing up’, received the lowest perception ranking from workers.

Futurestep makes key recommendations for attracting and retaining talent:

–  Be more radical – Organisations must be open to taking on ideas from employees, championing internal mobility and creating flexible career paths

–  Become the ‘Champion’ or ‘Innovator’ –Support employee development, create brand ambassadors and continue to innovate to attract creative talent that drives further transformation

–  Grow responsibly –Empower staff to share ideas, learn and develop so they will go further for customers to facilitate business growth

–  Incentivise customer focus –Businesses must reward employees for customer-centric behaviour through relevant incentives

Bernard Zen-Ruffinen – President Korn Ferry EMEA commented: “This research comes at a pivotal time for the industry, which according to the latest World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) forecast, is set to expand faster than the global economy this year. With talent playing a pivotal role in growing organisations into better, stronger brands, companies must adapt their strategies to attract, engage and retain the talent that will futureproof their business.” Neil Griffiths, Global Practice Leader – Talent Communications & Employer Brand Futurestep added: “With media consumption changing drastically over the last five years, the rise of mobile technology and social media has impacted employees’ attitude to the workplace. As a result, a more innovative, daring, but rewarding employer is required – one who is willing to be creative in their outlook in order to engage the talent that these qualities best resonate with.”