10 key hospitality recruitment trends in 2025

Hiring in hospitality isn’t what it used to be. Back in 2022, 66% of employers said they were struggling to fill roles, and half of those put it down to simply not getting enough applicants. Fast forward to 2025, and while some things have changed, the challenges are still very real.

The good news is that the industry is adapting. From smarter hiring tools to a bigger focus on wellbeing, hospitality businesses are rethinking how they attract and keep great talent.

Let’s take a look at 10 key hospitality recruitment trends shaping the industry in 2025, and how you can use them to your advantage.

1. Skill-Based Hiring is Taking Centre Stage

Sure, a beautiful CV and impressive work history can still open doors, but in 2025, it’s not enough on its own. Employers want proof that candidates can actually do the job, not just talk about it. It’s all about practical, job-ready skills.

We’re seeing a major shift toward skill-based hiring in the hospitality industry. Employers want to know: Can this person jump behind the bar and use the POS system without training? Can they plate food in a fast-paced kitchen? Can they manage guests with confidence during a busy Friday night service? Can they carry 3 plates without dropping them?

These are the real markers of a strong candidate in 2025.

Platforms like Sidekicker are helping lead this change, letting businesses filter and match workers based on specific capabilities. Not just job titles. This means you’re not wasting time on trial-and-error hires. You’re getting staff who can genuinely do the job from day one.

2. Flexibility Is The Standard

One of the biggest hospitality hiring trends of 2024 that’s only grown stronger in 2025 is the demand for flexibility.

Hospitality workers are no longer willing to accept rigid rosters or unpredictable last-minute changes. From students juggling uni schedules to parents with school pickups, today’s workforce expects more control over when and how they work.

This shift has led to an increase in platforms and scheduling tools that support flexible rostering and on-demand shifts. Employers who embrace this new trend in hospitality, giving staff the freedom to work around their lives, are more likely to attract and retain reliable talent.

3. Soft Skills Still Matter (A Lot)

We know technical ability is crucial. But in hospitality, where every role is people-facing in some way, soft skills can be the real decider between a 5 star service and an average one. 

Strong communication, emotional intelligence, and resilience under pressure are all non-negotiables in 2025. A waiter who can keep calm during a dinner rush or a barista who can de-escalate a customer complaint is worth their weight in gold.

Many hospitality recruitment trends this year are focusing on how to better assess these traits during hiring. Structured interviews, group trials, and reference checks are all helping hiring managers get a better feel for candidates beyond the CV.

4. Diversity and Inclusion Are Top Priorities

More than ever, businesses are prioritising diverse hiring practices. And no—it’s not just a “tick the box” exercise. It’s about building teams that reflect the communities they serve and ensuring every team member feels seen, respected, and safe.

That might look like hiring neurodiverse workers for front-of-house roles, actively supporting women in kitchen leadership, or ensuring your recruitment process is accessible and free of bias.

Hospitality thrives on diversity. The most innovative, guest-loved venues are often the most inclusive ones, too.

5. Digital Hiring Tools Are the Norm

Once upon a time, you'd hand in a CV at your local café and hope for the best. Let’s be real, most of those ended up wedged between the coffee machine and the recycling bin. In 2025, the hospitality hiring process is digital, smart, and often powered by AI.

Sidekicker allows employers to search for talent based on availability, location, specific skills, and even past performance. You can post a shift and have it filled within minutes. This kind of flexibility is great when you’re dealing with last-minute staff shortages or busy weekends.

Plus, automated scheduling, digital onboarding, and real-time shift tracking free up time for venue managers to focus on what really matters.

6. Employee Wellbeing Is on the Radar

Hospitality is known for its long hours, late nights, and minimal breaks, but that doesn’t mean employee wellbeing should take a back seat.

One of the most important new trends in hospitality is a stronger focus on mental health, work-life balance, and overall job satisfaction. Employers are realising that happy, healthy workers are more reliable, productive, and likely to stick around.

We’re seeing more support for mental health, better communication about rosters, fairer pay, staff meals, and regular check-ins. Even small gestures, like scheduling in proper breaks, can make a huge difference. 

7. Faster, Smarter Onboarding

More than a quarter (27%) of employers recruiting for hospitality workers in 2022 said that they were having retention issues, compared with 13% for all occupations. With high turnover still a reality in hospitality, the onboarding process needs to be quick, consistent, and scalable.

In 2025, digital onboarding tools are helping businesses get new staff up to speed faster than ever. This trend is especially useful when bringing on short-term or casual staff during busy seasons. A simple and smarter onboarding process reduces errors, builds confidence, and makes sure customers get a great experience, no matter who’s working.

8. Strategic Workforce Planning

With labour shortages still impacting the industry, hospitality businesses are taking a different approach to recruitment.

Rather than scrambling for staff the week before a big weekend, employers are getting ahead. That means forecasting busy periods, building talent pools, and having trusted casuals on call. Hiring platforms like Sidekicker are making this kind of insight more accessible than ever.

It also means using data to guide decision-making. Tools that show your busiest times, high-performing staff, or common roster gaps can help you plan more proactively. Not reactively. Think of it as moving from “putting out fires” to “planning the fire escape.”

9. Younger Workers Are Looking for Purpose

Gen Z isn’t just looking for a pay cheque, they want to feel like their work matters.

That means employers need to think beyond tasks and tap into values. Whether it’s being part of a sustainable business, working somewhere that supports mental health, or joining a team that celebrates inclusivity, younger workers are drawn to workplaces with purpose.

This is one of the newer hospitality recruitment trends, but it’s here to stay. Make sure your job ads and brand look and feel reflect what you stand for, not just what you need.

10. Retention Starts at Recruitment

Hiring is just the beginning.

In 2025, the best hospitality businesses know that retaining staff is just as important as finding them. That’s why the recruitment process needs to set the tone for a great employee experience from day one.

Clear communication, fast follow-ups, and a seamless onboarding process can make all the difference in how new hires feel about your business. And when people feel valued and supported, they’re more likely to stay, saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.

There’s no doubt that the hospitality hiring landscape has changed. But it’s not all bad. In fact, the hospitality recruitment trends we’re seeing in 2025 point to a smarter, more people-focused future.

Need a hand? At Sidekicker, we’re here to help you find, hire, and manage staff with less hassle. Post shifts in minutes, access a pool of vetted, skilled workers, and make hospitality recruitment work for you, not against you.