“Money is the solution”
You have to get a decent salary and compensation for the hard work, says receptionist and shop steward Sanni Mäkitalo from Tampere.
"Tourism is increasing, the customers and the demand are there. But labour shortages in the sector are a serious issue, and how to solve it. In my experience people think it’s risky to apply for a sector that’s not attractive. The solution would be to improve pay and do more for wellbeing at work.
Working conditions in the sector haven’t improved in line with higher customer numbers. The workload is huge, and it doesn’t attract people to work here. This is having a negative impact on the whole industry. We’re not making the most of the growth we’re seeing because there’s not enough staff.
The workload is especially acute when customers check in to the hotel. Then you rarely get to sit down. There are jobs to do everywhere: the phones are ringing, the chat is busy and there are e-mails to answer. There’s no time for breaks, and the staffing levels don’t allow it either. This is a huge problem. No-one can do tough work if you don’t get paid or compensated properly."
Sanni Mäkitalo
Receptionist and shop steward, Lapland Hotels
Text:: Minna Räsänen