Govt introduces new employer accreditation scheme in tourism, hospitality

Reports of 'toxic' work environment lead to recognition program

BY Dexter Tilo 03 Mar 2023

The New Zealand government is introducing a new accreditation scheme for tourism and hospitality employers amid reports of bad working conditions in the sectors.

The Tourism and Hospitality Accord will be a voluntary employer accreditation scheme that will recognise employers who will treat their staff well, according to Tourism Minister Peeni Henare.

"Businesses who join the accord will be able to demonstrate that they are good employers, which will help them to attract quality staff," Henare said.

The accord is part of the government's Better Work Action plan, which was introduced to address the ongoing challenges in the tourism workforce.

"We want to turn around the negative perception – and reality for some – that working in tourism doesn’t pay well and the work can be unstable and low paid. This Action Plan will help to improve conditions so that tourism is a job of choice that is fulfilling and desirable for people here and those coming from abroad," Henare said in a statement.

The plan has six Tirohanga Hou (new outlook and ways of thinking), according to the government, which are underpinned by 14 initiatives including the establishment of the Tourism and Hospitality Accord.

Poor working conditions

The introduction of the Better Work Action plan comes as a survey with 902 responses from hospitality and tourism workers revealed that 27.6% plan to leave their jobs in the next 12 months.

In terms of job roles, 28% of employers, managers, and supervisors said they plan to leave their jobs in the next 12 months.

"It is particularly worrying that senior staff want out at a similarly high rate to frontline staff," David Williamson, a co-author of the report, said in a statement.

The main reason people wanted out of the sector was because of "bad conditions, stress, and toxic environment" (19%), according to the report. It also found that:

9% did not sign employment agreements before starting work
29% did not get paid correct holiday pay
42% did not always get rest breaks
23% had experienced bullying and harassment and 34% had witnessed it
When bullying and harassment was reported, 50% were unsure or were not told if any action was subsequently taken
53% didn't know what the health and safety risks were in their workplace

Meanwhile, other reasons for leaving the sector include:

Insufficient pay (15%)
Poor work-life balance, fewer hours (12%)
Moving, looking for a change, travel, age (11%)
Looking for better opportunities (8%)
Bad management/bullying (7%)
Shortage of staff (5%)

The report was carried out by the Auckland University of Technology and commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment for the development of the Better Work Action plan.