Working in hospitality is enjoyable. But you also need to feel safe. You should be able to do your job with pleasure, in a place where you feel comfortable and protected. The employer plays an important role in this and is responsible for a safe and healthy workplace.
However, many people in hospitality encounter inappropriate behaviour. Think of sexual harassment, threats, bullying, or physical violence. In 2023, one in five hospitality workers reported experiencing unwanted behaviour in the workplace. This places hospitality second among sectors where this occurs most frequently. Especially women and employees with a lot of guest contact experience unwanted behaviour more often than average. Among young people, this percentage is even higher. And hospitality is precisely a sector characterised by this.
This needs to change. Because if you feel safe at work, you can perform better, are less often ill, and stay longer in the sector. Social safety is therefore not only important for the employee but also for the attractiveness of hospitality as an employer, especially now there are staff shortages.
Working together
Together with social partners in hospitality - CNV, KHN and De Horecabond - we are committed to a joint approach to inappropriate behaviour. We do this in close collaboration with the Government Commissioner for (sexual) inappropriate behaviour led by Mariëtte Hamer, Movisie, Rutgers, and various employers and employees from across the country, including members of De Horecabond.
On 17 June, the kick-off meeting took place. We discussed the risks, challenges, and opportunities within hospitality. An important conclusion: there is still much to gain, especially when it comes to preventing unwanted behaviour.
The meeting is the starting point for a broad, sector-focused approach. In the coming period, a core group will actively work on concrete plans and their implementation. A sounding board group will assess whether these ideas truly work in practice.
Together we make hospitality safer!
Marlotte Ferouge
union representative hospitality