Tourexpi
The
study, which explores the key reasons for over 50s changing careers and
returning to work, found that almost three quarters (73%) are considering
changing their working patterns to allow them to fulfil their dreams to
travel.
The
research comes as Hilton announces plans to fill almost 400 job vacancies
across the UK, with a view to helping those over 50 who are seeking employment
to get back into work. Spanning hotels across the country, jobs are available
in departments including food and beverage, front office, housekeeping,
culinary, engineering and events.
More
than a third (34%) of over 50s cited burnout from their current office-based
role as a key driver for looking for a change of role, resulting in a desire to
challenge themselves in a new environment (75%) and move away from desk jobs in
search of something more active (44%).
For
many, seeing their children fly the nest has created more space to pursue a new
path. More than a quarter (26%) of those who have children are looking to
increase their working hours or change career paths now that their kids have
left home.
Sociable,
Flexible Roles are Key
Hospitality
and travel (33%) emerged as the most popular industry for over 50s open to a
change of career, with flexible working hours, which can allow greater freedom
to travel, highlighted as one of the key benefits (45%). Other advantages cited
include the customer-facing nature of roles (42%), working with others of
different ages (39%) and opportunities to take on a more active, less sedentary
role (35%).
The
social nature of the industry was also noted as one of the main benefits for
almost a third of people (30%), with almost one in five (19%) over 50s looking
for opportunities to work in a more sociable environment.
Steve
Cassidy, senior vice president and managing director, UK&I, Hilton said,
“With most working lives stretching through several decades, people are
increasingly exploring a second career later in life. This growing trend is
leading to an upsurge in demand for roles that offer something wholly different
– and hospitality has a role to suit every path – whether that’s more
flexibility to travel, a more active working life away from a traditional desk
job, or a pathway back into work after a period of looking after family
members.”
Intergenerational
Learning
As
workforces are becoming increasingly diverse, Hilton’s research also
investigated how different generations work together.
Three
in five (60%) over 50s said they can learn from working with those younger than
themselves, while more than a quarter (26%) specifically cited wanting to spend
more time with Gen Z as a reason for looking to change careers. When asked
about social motivators for work, almost two thirds (64%) of over 50s want to
work with people from different backgrounds. More than a quarter (28%) said
they specifically wanted to learn from Gen Z coworkers.
This
works both ways. More than three quarters (77%) of Gen Z respondents said they
can learn from older colleagues, with leadership (44%) and problem solving
(40%), communication (39%) and organisational skills (39%) being areas most
cited where over 50s excel.
To
capitalise on growing interest in hospitality as a career choice, Hilton is
hosting an event at The Waldorf Hilton, London on 30 September. Attendees will
have the opportunity to meet people from more than 15 hotels at the event, with
on-the-spot interview opportunities available and a series of talks exploring
topics including intergenerational working and apprenticeships, aimed at those
interested in a career change or return to work later in life.
Case
Study
Marlene,
56, joined Hilton in 2022, having taken early retirement from the civil
service. Looking after Human Resources for four hotels just north of London,
she has a love of travel and enjoys the flexibility of working part-time so she
can spend her weekends exploring new parts of the UK. Marlene regularly enjoys
the perks of Hilton’s team member discount travel programme, Go Hilton, and has
an ambition to visit as many of Hilton’s 8,000 hotels as she can.
Marlene
said, “Joining Hilton was such a culture change in a fantastic and positive
way. As well as enjoying the sociable nature of my role, and getting out to
visit the hotels I work with, I love the flexibility of working part-time so I
can use my free time to explore new places. Working for a travel company is a
huge benefit in itself – there are so many places I’d like to visit – it’s
great to have a job that helps me fulfil my dreams of travelling around the
world.”
To
secure a place at Hilton’s recruitment fair, sign up here. Hilton is ranked #1 Best Place to Work in the
World.
Image
Credit: © Hilton Hotels
The most interesting news
Eurowings receives four-star airline award
Rating agency Skytrax ranks Eurowings' service level significantly above the low-cost competition.
Travel in Serenity: Unique Escapes in Different Mexican Destinations
More and more people are prioritizing their health and well-being through experiences that allow them to disconnect from everyday stress.
TUI Blue continues rapid expansion in China and Southeast Asia
First TUI Blue hotels opened in China and Malaysia.
British Airways set for a record-breaking summer of flights from North America to London
British Airways will operate a record number of flights between North America and London for Summer 2025, offering more than 400 direct flights per week during its busiest weeks.
Industry officials: Tourism rebounds beyond expectations but remains vulnerable to health threats
Top tourism officials call for stronger crisis management, collaboration to help stem impact of any possible health uncertainties.
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Expands into Shanghai’s Vibrant Xujiahui Commercial Hub
Redefining Urban Luxury with A Reimagined Design.
UN Tourism Launches Investment Guidelines for Armenia
UN Tourism has added to its growing portfolio of investment guidelines with a new edition focused on the potential of Armenia.
Explore the ‘Efeler Way’ in İzmir: the latest hiking trail linking authentic villages
The Efeler Way (Efeler Yolu) is the newest sustainable hiking trail along Türkiye's stunning Aegean coast, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore the region's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Massimo Brancaleoni joins Kempinski Hotels as Chief Commercial Officer
The luxury hospitality group Kempinski Hotels is proud to announce the arrival of Massimo Brancaleoni as of 1 November 2024. Amanda Elder steps down to pursue other opportunities.
Hilton Set to Surpass 150 Luxury Hotels in Asia Pacific
Leading global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today revealed plans to surpass 150 luxury hotels in Asia Pacific in the coming years – quadrupling its luxury portfolio across the region compared with the end of 2023.
Berlin: Lufthansa Group expands route network in winter
With a new direct flight to Geneva, the Lufthansa Group is improving connectivity to Berlin Brandenburg Airport.
UN Tourism Welcomes First Students to Sustainable Tourism Degree Course
UN Tourism has welcomed the first students enrolled on its pioneering degree course in International Sustainable Tourism.
Lufthansa Group extends wet lease partnership with airBaltic
The Lufthansa Group is extending its collaboration within the framework of a wet lease partnership with its long-standing and proven partner airBaltic (BT) for a further three years beyond the summer of 2025.
RIU takes you to the dizzying heights of Chicago
RIU Hotels & Resorts presents its new and exclusive rooftop terrace at the recently opened Riu Plaza Chicago. Customers and guests can enjoy unique views of the city’s skyline and savour a wide range of food options in this innovative space, locate
TUI Group Accelerates Global Expansion with Strategic Entry into Latin American Market
Expansion builds on established partnerships and proven demand.
Salt Mountain in eastern Türkiye to host underground book and culture festival
Mountain in Igdir province to host festival 80 meters below surface from Sept. 11-15.
World Meteorological Organization predicts 60 percent chance of La Nina's cooling impact
Forming of La Nina anticipated to rise to 60% from October 2024 through February 2025; chance of El Nino redeveloping during this period negligible, says agency.
Western Australia to host major int'l travel, tourism gathering next month
Drawing over 700 industry leaders, gov't officials, World Travel and Tourism Council's Global Summit to focus on investment, future industry trends, high-value tourism.
Greece announces measures to address impact of overtourism
Stricter regulations on short-term rentals, levy on passengers of cruise ships among steps being introduced to soften impact of masses of visitors.
Eight Continents Hotels and Resorts Expands Portfolio with Stamps Red Martin in Amritsar
Eight Continents Hotels and Resorts is delighted to announce the addition of Stamps Red Martin to its prestigious portfolio.
IHG Hotels and Resorts ‘Flipped’ upside down hotel room delighted festival goers
IHG Hotels & Resorts turned festival goers world’s upside down with the debut of IHG Hotels & Resorts Flipped at Lollapalooza Berlin last weekend.