• As we step further into 2025, the hospitality industry continues to evolve – and with it, the way we attract, retain, and support our people. We sat down with Sarah George, our Head of Human Resources at 7 Hospitality Management, to talk about the biggest HR trends shaping the year ahead and beyond and what they mean for our teams across the portfolio.

    Conner Hutchison, Head of Brand & Communications:
    Let’s start big – what’s the most significant shift you’re seeing in hospitality HR right now?

    👤 Sarah George, Head of Human Resources:
    Without a doubt, it’s the rise of employee experience as a business priority. In 2025, it’s not just about recruitment or compliance anymore – it’s about creating a working environment that feels meaningful, flexible, and people-led. For hospitality, where our people are the product, this shift is even more important. We’re focusing more than ever on engagement, wellness, and growth opportunities across all levels.

    🎙️: Are you seeing a change in what employees are looking for in a hospitality career?

    👤: Absolutely. The new generation of talent is looking for purpose, progress, and balance. They want to feel part of something, and they want development paths that are clear, supported, and personalised. It’s why at 7H, we’re investing heavily in internal mobility, leadership coaching, and clearer career journeys across departments. 

    Equally, we are seeing an increase in the older generation remaining in employment for longer, with social pressures such as the rising cost of living and pension changes leading this shift.  We need to ensure that we are supporting all employees from the younger generation to the older generation as we are also seeing a shift with the latter looking for ways in which they can remain in employment for longer.

    🎙️: What do you see as a major factor shaping HR into next year?

    👤: I’d say the pending legislative changes are key, in particular the upcoming Employment Rights Bill which will introduce significant changes into 2026/2027.  Although a planned phased introduction, 

    we have already started prepping internally on the pending changes to our internal policies and procedures and ensuring the correct training and guidance will be in place to support our leadership teams, management and employees through the changes.  HR governance is always a key focus at 7H!

    🎙️: And what about recruitment? The talent market remains tough – what’s working?

    👤: Recruitment remains challenging across some of our locations within the UK.  The recent changes to the UK Visa Sponsorship rules this year in particular has not made things easier and has resulted in a weaker talent pool, in particular for our chef vacancies. 

    With the new minimum salary thresholds and the majority of our roles in hospitality removed from the sponsorship eligibility list, we are now focussing more time and energy towards domestic recruitment, retaining existing talent and investing in training and development.

    The talent market is competitive, but we’re seeing success by leaning into value-driven recruitment. Candidates want to know what a brand stands for – and they’re asking smart questions. Our values at 7H – transparency, ownership, driven and investment in our people – are resonating more than ever. That’s why employer branding, social proof, and showcasing real employee stories have become key parts of our strategy.

    🎙️: Final question: if you had to name one “must-watch” HR trend in hospitality this year, what would it be?

    👤: I’d say the integration of technology to support human connection.  AI is undoubtedly a huge focus for many companies and tools like AI-driven scheduling, feedback platforms, and digital onboarding can really help us to reduce admin and create more time for what really matters – building strong teams, delivering exceptional guest service, and supporting one another.

    Thank you, Sarah for your insight! Conversations like this remind us that our people are at the heart of everything we do and that building a culture of support, growth, and opportunity is as vital as delivering exceptional guest experiences.

    As we move through 2025, 7H will continue to adapt, invest, and lead with purpose, ensuring that our teams feel empowered and our business remains future-ready!

    Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight our people, purpose, and progress across the 7H portfolio.