| | 8 HOSPITALITY BUSINESS REVIEWJUNE 2025IN MY OPINIONMike Stover serves as Corporate Director of Talent & Culture for PCH Hotels & Resorts based in Mobile, AL. PCH Hotels has a portfolio of properties across Alabama and employs over 2,000 during the peak summer season. PCH Hotels was recognized in 2023 as one of the Best Companies to Work For in Alabama and the only hospitality company to make the list. The hospitality industry is at a critical juncture. As it contends with post-pandemic recovery, labor shortages and shifting guest expectations, traditional hiring practices are no longer sufficient. Historically, the industry has favored candidates with direct hospitality experience, but this approach is increasingly restrictive in today's competitive landscape. To thrive in the future, hospitality HR and talent acquisition professionals must widen their search, actively recruiting candidates from other sectors. This strategy not only brings fresh perspectives into the industry but provides valuable career transition opportunities for individuals in high-stress fields such as healthcare, education and retail, allowing them to leverage their skills in a more rewarding environment.BROADENING FRONTLINE ROLES IN HOSPITALITY AS PATHWAYS FOR CAREER TRANSITIONFrontline Roles as Natural Transition OpportunitiesFrontline roles in hotels--such as guest services, event operations and food and beverage operations--are ideal for professionals transitioning from fields like healthcare, education and retail. These positions require a combination of technical and interpersonal skills, making them a natural fit for individuals experienced in managing patient interactions, classroom dynamics or customer service.Healthcare workers, accustomed to high-pressure environments and strict protocols, bring an exceptional level of care and attention to detail. These skills are directly transferable to roles like guest services, where the ability to manage guest needs, handle complaints with empathy and ensure a seamless experience is paramount. For healthcare workers seeking to reduce the emotional demands of patient care, the hospitality industry offers a fulfilling alternative where they can continue to make a positive impact on people's lives, albeit in a different context.Teachers are another group that can seamlessly transition into hospitality roles. Their experience in managing classrooms, engaging diverse groups and maintaining order under pressure is highly valuable in roles such as event coordination, guest relations By Mike Stover, Corporate Director of Talent & Culture, PCH Hotels & Resorts, Inc.Mike Stover
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