I got the job!: 1 in 2 Singaporeans target working in hospitality sector

They find it very attractive.

According to Randstad, half of Singapore’s employees (52 per cent) covet a career in the hospitality and recreational services sector, ranking it as the most attractive industry to work in across every age group, gender and education level.

It is the third year the sector has taken the top spot in the annual Randstad Award Survey, followed by engineering & construction and transport & logistics (both at 46 per cent).

The 6,546 respondents surveyed ranked the hospitality sector as the best in providing a pleasant working atmosphere, interesting job content and good training opportunities.

The continued popularity of hospitality as a career choice is in part due to the booming tourism industry which has been bolstered by recent Government initiatives, such as the Tourism Development Fund.

The Government recently set aside almost $1 billion to help fund new tourism concepts and events for leisure and businesses, and this week the Singapore Tourism Board announced a $15 million programme to support tourist hotspots like Orchard Road, Chinatown and Little India.

This builds upon an already solid industry which saw 15 million tourists visit Singapore in 2013 and spend $23.5 billion.

Randstad Country Director for Singapore, Mr Michael Smith, said it’s not only the strength of the industry that is driving this demand, but more people desire a career in hospitality because people’s priorities at work are changing.

“Hospitality is an industry which appeals not only to those with a love of travel and aptitude for customer service, but those who are looking for greater flexibility and work-life balance.

“The flexible nature of hospitality work provides employees in this sector the opportunity to adapt their work hours to focus on family, study or personal pursuits, which are becoming increasingly important to Singaporeans.

“The world of work is changing rapidly, and all companies in Singapore will need to look at their employee value proposition and offer their talent a complete package in order to survive the war for talent.

“This includes a full suite of benefits and entitlements such as financial reward, training opportunities, career progression and flexible working arrangements,” said Mr Smith.

Overall, respondents rated the professional services sector as the most attractive for competitive salary & employee benefits and career progression opportunities, while transport & logistics rated the highest for long-term job security, good work-life balance and strong management.