Factors Contributing to Employee Attrition in the Food Service Industry

Globally, organizations are experiencing workforce and employee shortages that vary from one industry to another, and the hospitality industry is among the worst affected (De Smet et al., 2022). The primary purpose of this study was to identify and explore factors that contribute to turnover and attrition in the foodservice industry so that recommendations for change can be given to those who work in the industry to decrease turnover and attrition rates and promote career longevity. Data was collected from multiple sources: (1) Ohio ProStart CTE hospitality graduates who have worked in the foodservice industry, (2) Ohio ProStart CTE hospitality instructors, and (3) foodservice managers from Northeast Ohio. Data was collected from the graduates and instructors using a survey. The surveys gathered quantitative and qualitative data on factors contributing to foodservice worker turnover and attrition. Data from foodservice managers was collected using interviews. Additionally, participants from all three groups provided suggestions for reducing turnover and attrition in the foodservice industry. Qualitative data was analyzed using content and thematic analysis, triangulation, and SPSS was used to analyze descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that compensation, environment, and management factors, along with worker feelings contribute to turnover and attrition in the foodservice industry. Compensatory factors, such as wages and hours were cited by the graduates and instructors as the most prominent reasons why workers leave their foodservice jobs. Foodservice managers indicated that feelings and qualities of foodservice workers play a dynamic role in the turnover and attrition issue in the foodservice industry. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]