Brettlyn Robinson

The global hospitality industry and F&B sector is plagued by high employee turnover rates, which detriments consumers’ perception of service value, satisfaction, and loyalty. Although research is available regarding the identification of factors contributing to high employee turnover rates; and retention strategies, few studies identify strategies that have been most effective in mitigating employee turnover rates during the COVID-19 pandemic or strategies that will remain effective in a post-COVID future. Therefore, the researcher aims to answer the questions: “What retention strategies have been most effective in decreasing employee turnover rates within the F&B sector both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic?”; and “What strategies will remain effective in a post-COVID future?” To answer these questions, the researcher utilized a mixed-methods approach while focusing on scholarly articles regarding turnover rates in the hospitality industry and F&B sector; the identification of factors which contribute to employee turnover and job motivation; employee retention strategies; employees’ perception of retention strategies; the effect retention strategies have on turnover; and recommended strategies for a post-COVID future. In this study, the researcher first discusses the pervasive problem of high employee turnover rates; the contributing factors of employee turnover and job motivation; effective employee retention strategies; employees’ perception of retention strategies; the effect retention strategies have on turnover; and subsequently recommends strategies for a post-COVID future. Finally, the researcher discusses gaps in current knowledge; this study’s limitations and implications; and suggests future research opportunities.