5 tips for investing in human capital in leisure and tourism
Crossovers is a commonly used term that literally means intersection or crosswalk. At this moment people are at a crossroads, uninvited and usually unwanted. Their work ceases to exist and they are forced to cross over to a new future. The leisure and tourism industry in particular has proved vulnerable. There are no events, the hospitality industry is closed and flight shame has suddenly taken on a different meaning. No matter how unpleasant the current circumstances are, making a crossover also offers new opportunities.
Invest in human capital for image preservation of the industry in the future
Media show initiatives of employees who work in a different sector. Some crossovers are temporary, such as people helping to set up or work in one of the testing sites. Others leave the industry behind and retrain to become care workers. Another example is an event organiser who is now happy as a gardener. It could be a bright new future. However, the risk for the industry is a high turnover of staff, especially flexible and innovative employees, which may result in damage to the image. It is therefore important to invest in human capital.
How can human capital investments help achieve a future-proof leisure & tourism sector?
The need for innovation for future-proofing requires sustainable connections and further development of the organisation and employee. For this reason, I have listed five tips for you below:
1. Find connection
Entrepreneurs are looking for solutions, students are looking for issues. Entrepreneurs and education need each other. Focus on that right now.
2. Provide space for learning
Developing for life. Invest in employees who now have less to do. Skills, knowledge and experience are important for both entrepreneurs and their employees to keep developing.
3. Sustainable employability
The current and new generation of employees are confident and optimistic and want to work differently, namely more independently. Take advantage of this to keep them engaged longer.
4. Cross the road
Make the crossover yourself in any way. Exchange employees at busy and quiet times, but also look for opportunities in related industries. Which skills can employees deploy elsewhere and which skills from outside are welcome in these times in order to be better prepared for the future.
5. Become future-proof
Think about what the company will look like in a few years’ time and invest in human capital to get there. Check which (free) learning opportunities there are now during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Human Capital Agenda
Together with our partner CELTH, we are working on a new vision of changes in human capital in the leisure and tourism sector. This vision will lead to a human capital research agenda. Part of this research agenda will be developing – together with the sector – certified training programmes. In this way, we will provide a framework for Lifelong Learning. Would you like to cooperate with us?
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