Hospitality employees, both managers and staff, across the UK, are facing increasing uncertainty as the industry navigates economic changes, staffing challenges, and evolving employee expectations.
To better understand how those working in hospitality are really feeling, Access Hospitality — in partnership with Hospitality Jobs UK, Scrumptious Marketing, Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC), the Independent Hotel Show, and KAM Insights — commissioned the Hospitality People Survey, surveying 1,446 workers to explore employee salary satisfaction, tip culture, benefit importance, and happiness rates.
In 2026, 63% of UK hospitality workers feel fairly paid, which is up from 51% in 2025. But even for those who are happy with pay, impostor syndrome is on the rise. Eighty-one per cent said they had experienced these feelings in 2026, which was a steep increase from 38% in 2025.
Health concerns are also on the rise, with 36% saying work has a negative impact on their mental health, while 39% report a negative effect on their physical health.
The findings reveal that although pay levels have improved, the day-to-day experience of work may feel harder, which can directly impact perceptions of “fun”, trust, and openness.
Tipping has been central to the hospitality industry; however, 2026 data shows it is becoming less important to staff. The proportion of workers who say tips are important has dropped from 75% in 2025 to just 51% in 2026. Despite this, 47% still say tips are important to their overall work satisfaction. This movement is being driven by rising base salaries and formalised tip distribution processes, improving job satisfaction and financial security for the industry and its people.
Seven per cent of employees reported working 16 or more hours a week overtime in 2026, compared with 22% in 2025. More employees are now being paid for those additional hours, 78% in 2026, compared to 41% in 2025.
Despite this, work-life balance is down, according to the survey. In 2024, 59% said they had a good work/life balance, followed by 56% in 2025, and now to 53% in 2026.
Hospitality operators are strengthening workforce planning, using improved forecasting and rota management to cut overtime hours where possible. At the same time, expectations around work-life balance are driving efforts to improve the long-term sector appeal.
The findings paint a picture that both work-life balance and happiness in roles are declining. Happiness currently sits at 54%, down from 69% in 2024. While these numbers continue to decrease, another factor is increasing.
In 2026, 93% of hospitality employees would recommend a career in the industry to a friend or family member, up from 74% in 2025. Job factors could be contributing to this rising number, with the top considerations currently being fair salary (56%), holiday entitlement (53%), training and development (52%), and flexible hours (51%).
This shows that, although short-term morale has dipped, belief in the hospitality industry remains very strong, with benefits and culture key for engagement.
In the UK, 72% said working with great people remains the most important factor for retention. However, exciting work, and learning and development have seen huge jumps since last year (19% and 13%, respectively), showing a shift towards long-term career growth rather than monetary incentives.
But while the reasons to stay are becoming clearer, the likelihood of remaining with their current employer has dropped to 52% in 2026, down from 62% in 2024. This is despite more initiatives being introduced, with 49% of companies now offering apprenticeships, highlighting the ongoing challenge of retaining staff.
This suggests that the shift in employee priorities could be driving the decline in those who say they are likely to stay in their current role. Overall, the findings show that growth, stimulating work, and supportive colleagues now outweigh pay as motivators for staff.
“Employees are seeking more long-term development, with retention driven by opportunities and new challenges,” said Rob Paterson, commercial director at Access Hospitality. “This highlights the need for employers to prioritise clear progression, reflecting a shift away from traditional perks towards career growth.”
“Despite the dip in employee satisfaction, the loyalty and love for the sector continues to grow, as 93% would still recommend a career in the industry, showing belief in the sector remains strong despite short-term pressures.”
“The UK hospitality workforce is becoming more ambitious and career-focused. However, whilst passion remains high, declining satisfaction and work-life balance, as well as the rising expectations around salary and development, will push employers to rethink how they attract and retain talent.”
