Lesson learned from the pandemic: the need for sustainable employment

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a definition of sustainable employment (SE), the conditions that undermine SE, the need for SE and how the additional costs of SE can be covered through a re-imagined business. The paper is specific to industry policies and government laws in the USA. However, the concept of SE is a global issue, and this paper’s discussion has global implications.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a viewpoint paper based on the author’s knowledge and opinion supported by references.

Findings

SE is key for the hospitality industry's success with the additional costs of its introduction being possibly covered through a reimagined business. This will lead to a committed and stable workforce.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the concept of SE. The pandemic exposed the need for a committed and stable workforce in the hospitality industry. This paper supports this need, explains the benefits of SE and gives insight into how to fund SE.

Citation

Bowen, J. (2020), "Lesson learned from the pandemic: the need for sustainable employment", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 12 No. 6, pp. 725-730. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-07-2020-0070