Hospitality expert Scott Yandrasevich is calling on industry leaders to prioritize training, mentorship, and leadership development as essential strategies for maintaining profitability while delivering exceptional guest service. With decades of experience in hospitality management, Yandrasevich argues that a strong investment in workforce skills and leadership capabilities can address current challenges like rising costs and labor shortages without compromising guest experiences.
“The key to sustainable growth in hospitality is a well-trained, motivated team,” said Yandrasevich. “When employees feel supported and have opportunities to grow, they perform better, stay longer, and deliver the kind of service that keeps guests coming back. This benefits everyone—employees, guests, and the business itself.”
Yandrasevich’s push for workforce development comes at a critical time. According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), 71% of hospitality businesses report difficulty finding workers, a challenge that has driven up wages and put pressure on profitability. As businesses look for ways to stay competitive, Yandrasevich emphasizes that education and mentorship should be top priorities. He cites a LinkedIn study showing that 94% of employees say they would stay longer with a company that invests in their development.
“Training and mentorship programs can bridge the skill gaps that many new hires bring,” Yandrasevich explained. “They allow businesses to mold employees to their unique service standards while empowering staff to grow professionally. It’s a win-win. Employees gain confidence and skills, and businesses benefit from more consistent, high-quality service.”
Yandrasevich is a strong advocate for continuous learning, which he views as an ongoing investment that boosts both employee morale and service quality. “Service in hospitality isn’t a ‘set it and forget it’ concept,” he said. “With customer expectations constantly evolving, our teams need to adapt. Continuous learning—whether it’s about new service techniques or technology—helps employees stay engaged and confident in meeting those expectations.”
By implementing regular training sessions on topics like customer service skills, time management, and adaptability, Yandrasevich believes that businesses can maintain high service standards even during challenging economic times. According to the Training Industry Report, businesses with structured employee development programs see 24% higher profit margins than those without.
Yandrasevich also advocates for mentorship within hospitality teams, a practice he believes creates stronger leaders and more cohesive teams. “Mentorship helps employees feel supported and gives them a sense of direction,” he stated. “It’s one of the most effective ways to build future leaders. When managers take time to guide their teams, they cultivate talent from within and create a culture of support and growth.”
Yandrasevich points to studies indicating that companies with active mentorship programs experience a 20% increase in employee retention compared to those without such programs. In an industry facing high turnover rates, Yandrasevich stresses that mentoring can significantly improve both staff loyalty and customer service quality.
In addition to training and mentorship, Yandrasevich emphasizes the importance of clear career advancement opportunities. “Hospitality often attracts young people looking to start their careers, but to retain them, we need to offer pathways for growth,” he said. “When employees see a future with your business, they’re more invested in their work and more dedicated to your guests.”
A study by Gallup found that 87% of millennials view career growth as a top priority in their jobs, highlighting the need for visible advancement opportunities within the industry. Yandrasevich encourages hospitality leaders to provide employees with development plans and chances to take on new responsibilities. “Investing in your people’s growth creates a workforce that’s skilled, engaged, and ready to deliver exceptional service,” he added.
Yandrasevich acknowledges that training, mentorship, and development require time and resources. However, he argues that the long-term benefits outweigh the upfront costs, especially in an industry that thrives on customer satisfaction. “Profitability in hospitality is built on guest loyalty,” Yandrasevich said. “When guests consistently have positive experiences, they come back and refer others. A well-prepared, empowered team is the foundation of that consistency.”
He suggests that investing in employee development ultimately leads to cost savings, as businesses experience lower turnover and reduced hiring costs. In fact, a study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that companies with robust training programs see 50% lower turnover than those without. This reduction in turnover leads to more cohesive teams and better service continuity, which directly impacts profitability.
Scott Yandrasevich’s call for enhanced training, mentorship, and development programs reflects a holistic approach to sustaining profitability in hospitality. By building strong, skilled teams, Yandrasevich believes businesses can navigate current industry challenges without sacrificing the quality of service that defines hospitality.
“Hospitality is all about people,” he said. “If we want to maintain the highest levels of service and keep guests returning, we need to start by investing in the people delivering that experience. Training, mentorship, and growth opportunities are essential to that vision.”
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City: Danbury
State: Connecticut
Country: United States
Website: https://www.scottyandrasevich.com/
