BY JEREMY Mc CARTHY

THE GREATEST IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY is not at all what anyone expected . As far as I can tell , there hasn ’ t really been any long-term impact from COVID-19 on consumer behavior . Although the industry has been greatly hampered by health measures and government restrictions , the indications are that when conditions allow , consumers will quickly return to their normal lifestyle including traveling , visiting spas and so on .

The largest impact of COVID-19 appears to be not on the consumers , but on our workforce . While the consumers remain loyal to our industry and are ready to come back , the workforce is not so sure . It has been labeled “ the great resignation ,” as tranches of the workforce have decided not to return to work .

I like to think of the “ great resignation ” as a “ great re-prioritization .” During COVID , people were tested . Some were laid off , some were placed on temporary furlough , many had their earnings drastically reduced or their career prospects jeopardized . Virtually everyone had to think about ,“ could I find another way to make a living ?” And it

20 PULSE ^■ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022