Now the stage star of the Graubunden hotelier speaks out: “Many young employees are doing a very good job.”

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They chose the big stage: Young tourism professionals took to the stage at the delegate meeting of the Hoteliers Association of Graubuster and challenged the president of the association, Ernst “Aschi” Wyrsch (62), in front of 180 guests. Wyrsch had previously criticized the younger generation in the hospitality industry in a newspaper interview, describing them as “effeminate”.

One of the storms on stage is Jamie Rizzi (29). He is the assistant host of the Hotel “Schweizerhof” in Lenzerheide GR and is a member of the network of young Graubeğen tourism professionals. Blick explains his reasons in his interview.

Blick: What prompted you to take the stage at the delegates meeting?
Jamie Rizzi: We certainly do not share Wyrsch’s criticism. In our opinion, this is too general and does not correspond to what we from the network of young Grisons tourism professionals experience every day in our work. There are dedicated young employees in companies who pursue their passions with great passion and do very good work. It was important for us to say this.

You work at the Hotel Schweizerhof in Lenzerheide. Your boss is Andreas Züllig, former president of Hotelleriesuisse. Was it in your plans?
NO. Mr Züllig has no longer been chairman since the end of last year and was not involved in this incident. As the New Generation Board, consisting of young tourism professionals, we decided that we wanted to respond to the interview as the generation that directly addresses the interview.

Wyrsch, 62, is part of the old guard. Does it lack the understanding of the younger generation?
We do not want to create a generation conflict. It has always been the case that the older generation is critical of the younger generation. However, most of the issues concern both older and younger workers in the industry. Today we live in a completely different world where people’s needs have changed. They are more informed than ever and insist on their own views.

What issues concern employees?
This is a better work-life balance. Sustainability is also becoming increasingly important for many employees. Young people in particular often need meaningful work. This is exactly what the hotel industry has to offer. In our profession, you can do something good for people and get recognition for it.

At the beginning of the winter, one in ten positions was unfilled. Are companies not doing enough to be perceived as attractive employers?
Of course, there are differences between companies, as can be seen in other sectors. However, the same precautions do not apply to every hotel. It is important for companies to perceive social change as an opportunity and address this challenge constructively. By responding to the needs of boys, among other things.

How exactly can the industry become more attractive again?
A lot is already being done in this direction today. The industry is actually predestined for a good work-life balance. For example, companies may offer a young mother to work only in the morning or evening. When it comes to working hours, some companies offer the option of working 4 days a week, while others eliminate room hours. It is important to involve employees and find appropriate models.

The very low wages in the hospitality industry are also unlikely to do any good…
Of course, wages need to be fair. But as a study by the Graubinden University of Applied Sciences shows, financial incentives and working hours are not at the top of employees’ wish lists. Soft factors like company culture are more important. The hospitality industry also offers young people the opportunity to take on leadership roles at an early age.

Source :Blick