9 things we learned from the People Awards and Network

5. Authentic stories are a powerful tool in challenging perceptions

Trudi Parr, head of people and development at motel brand Mollies, encouraged HR leaders to look inside their businesses and share stories about the careers hospitality can offer. Parr said that by talking positively and sharing real-life examples, the industry can address challenging perceptions and make recruitment easier.

Speaking later in the day, brand and marketing consultant Mark McCulloch, who led the Hospitality Rising recruitment campaign, spoke about how videos made by those working in the industry helped attract 300,000 applications.

6. “We all do our best”

Personal Impact Coach Jodi Goldman spoke to attendees about overcoming the self-doubts that hold them back from showing up and recognizing their worth. Goldman shared her advice for building confidence, celebrating success and inspiring others. She also reminded those gathered that everyone doubts, adding: “We’re all coping and doing the best we can.”

7. Change is coming and employers must be ready

The Work Rights Bill will introduce 28 individual employment reforms, including paternity rights, parental leave and bereavement leave on the first day, as well as making flexible working default where possible.

Pete Willis, commercial director at Harri, explained that these changes would make workforce management essential and suggested that employers consider cross-training to reduce the need for last-minute shift changes, as well as secure a technology partner experienced in navigating such legislation.

8. If you want to reach people under 30, look for TikTok

Brand and marketing consultant Mark McCulloch led the industry’s Hospitality Rising campaign, which used TikTok to reach 50% of all 16-30 year olds, attracting around 300,000 job applications. The campaign used the voices of young workers to give a genuine insight into working in the industry and while it ran, the number of young people who said they would consider working in hospitality rose from one in five to one in three .

McCulloch told those considering using the platform to recruit to find influencers who appeal to their target market and give them creative license, while emphasizing the points they need to cover. He reminded those gathered that while they may hate the videos created, they will appeal to the target market.

9. Look below the diversity statistics to really understand your business

Lorraine Copes, CEO and founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, encouraged those gathered to take another look at data to truly understand diversity, equity and inclusion in their business. Copes said that on the surface the data would show hospitality doesn’t have a diversity problem, but when Be Inclusive Hospitality spoke to individuals at all levels, 43 percent believed their ethnicity acted as a barrier to their careers, and one out of three experienced or witnessed discrimination.

Copes said: “Hospitality is a brilliant industry, however, recognizing that we have to face the fact that there are many areas that need to move forward and equity is one, especially from a race perspective. Only if you really understand the data can you do something about it. Then take action – nothing changes until something changes.”

From our sponsors

Harry

Harri was built by hospitality experts for the hospitality industry. We support businesses across the entire employee lifecycle, from hiring and scheduling to HR and payroll and employee engagement. Harri is committed to delivering best-in-class technology and improving the hospitality sector, so it was an honor to support the People Awards and celebrate all the hospitality employees and companies who were nominated and won.

Harri serves more than 55,000 restaurants and hotels and four million hospitality employees globally, including McDonald’s, Radisson Hotel Group, Hawksmoor, Hall & Woodhouse, Subway and many more.

A big thanks to him caterer for organizing such a great event.

To learn more, visit www.harri.com.

Thanks to our main sponsor Harri, supporting partners Sona and CH&Co and associate sponsor Be Inclusive Hospitality.

If you think your business already has a culture of brilliant people, why not come on board Best Catering Jobs in Hospitality? You could be named one of the top 30 companies in the sector and have the chance to participate in the Catey Best Employer Award 2025.