Half of hospitality workers worked more hours this year to cover living expenses

Almost half (46 per cent) of Dutch front-line workers in service industries such as hospitality worked more hours this year to cover their living expenses. So says a recent European survey of more than 3,300 frontline workers on the impact of inflation. The survey was conducted by Quinyx, a provider of an AI software solution for workforce scheduling.

In addition to indicating that Dutch frontline workers worked more hours, they took more financial measures.

The reason frontline workers give for taking these measures is because their wages do not cover the cost of living.

The survey was conducted in late November 2023 among front-line employees working in hospitality, retail and logistics. These employees hold positions such as waiter, sales assistant, warehouse worker, shelf stacker or delivery driver. The employees live in the Netherlands (491 respondents), Germany (1,000 respondents), United Kingdom (1,000 respondents) and Scandinavia (829 respondents). Many of these employees have salaries around the minimum wage.

Four in 10 frontline workers say they have sought financial support from family or friends. The reason given for this is that the salary does not cover the cost of living. This percentage is just slightly higher in the Netherlands (39 per cent) than in the other countries: United Kingdom (31 per cent), Germany (34 per cent) and Scandinavia (34 per cent).

In the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia, a quarter of all frontline workers use a food bank this year. In the UK, the percentage is slightly lower, at 11 per cent. The reason employees have to use the food bank is because their wages do not cover their living expenses.

A quarter of frontline employees in the Netherlands and Germany have taken out a personal loan. In Scandinavia, the percentage is just slightly higher (28 per cent) and in the United Kingdom slightly lower (14 per cent). The reason for this loan is because the current salary does not cover the cost of living.

"Many frontline workers face increased workloads and insurmountable financial challenges. Our study proves that this is a burden across Europe. What is the best gift business leaders can give to their dedicated frontline employees this year? Engage with them, listen and offer support when and where they need it most. This can be done through flexible work schedules, improved communication and by making sure their working conditions are as good as possible," advises Toma Pagojute, Chief HR Officer at Quinyx.

Quinyx offers AI-enabled workforce management software. This helps companies better manage their workforce in day-to-day planning, optimise processes and thereby reduce staff costs. Quinyx supports millions of users worldwide across various industries with customers such as Rituals, Coolblue, Burger King, Swarovski, Starbucks, Subway, G-star, Hans Anders, Hanos and Victoria's Secret.