By Sumit Manwal, Founder, Hospitality Vacancy
People rarely leave a good job because of the work. They leave because of how they are managed. In hotels, I have watched talented people resign over rules that made them feel untrusted, and I have felt the frustration of those rules myself.
Policies are needed, especially in a 24-hour service business. But when rules replace trust, passion drops, performance drops and, eventually, so do profits. Here are ten policies that push good people away, and better alternatives.
Running a hotel or restaurant? Book a one-to-one Hotel Hiring Consultation to review your team and processes, or see my consulting and training options on my LinkedIn Services page.
10 policies that drive talented people away
1. Rigid attendance rules for everyone
Shift-based roles need clear timings. But treating responsible managers like suspects, with no flexibility at all, damages trust. Focus on results and fair rostering.
2. Unfair travel policies
Business travel is tiring. Penny-pinching rules on travel and rest tell people their wellbeing does not matter.
3. Over-detailed dress codes
Grooming standards are part of hospitality. Keep them clear and respectful, and trust adults to follow them, without pages of insulting detail.
4. Bell-curve performance reviews
Forcing a fixed number of people into "below average" demotivates good teams. Review against clear goals instead.
5. Mean-spirited leave policies
Policies written for the few people you wish you had not hired punish everyone else, especially at sensitive times such as bereavement.
6. Approvals for everything
If a trained supervisor needs written permission to order a stapler, bureaucracy is slowing the hotel down. Delegate sensible authority.
7. Heavy-handed discipline
Standards matter, but start with a conversation. Find out where things broke down before reaching for written warnings.
8. Feedback systems nobody believes in
Annual forms are no substitute for honest, regular conversations between managers and their teams.
9. Slow, impersonal hiring
Write job descriptions in plain language, treat candidates as valued people, and keep the process fast and friendly. Candidates are choosing you, too.
10. Forced ranking
Lining people up from best to worst ignores that each person brings something different. It breeds competition instead of teamwork.
What managers can do instead
- Explain the reason behind every rule you keep.
- Remove rules that exist only because of one person's past mistake.
- Recognise good work publicly and often.
- Ask your team which policies frustrate them most, and act on the answers.
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming salary alone keeps people.
- Applying rules differently to favourites.
- Ignoring exit-interview feedback.
FAQ
What is the main reason employees leave hotels?
Reasons vary, but the relationship with their manager, workload, recognition and growth opportunities come up again and again.
How can hotels improve staff retention?
Fair rosters, respectful leadership, regular training, clear growth paths and genuine recognition.
Your next step
- Hotels, resorts and restaurants: Register as an employer on Hospitality Vacancy and put your vacancies in front of hospitality professionals.
- Want expert eyes on your operation? Book a Hotel Hiring Consultation (45 min) or explore my consulting, coaching and training services.
- Hotel professionals: Create your free candidate profile and browse the latest hotel jobs.
Related reading on this blog
- How to Be a Good Boss: Lessons for Hospitality Managers
- Are You a Boss or a Leader? 7 Differences Every Hospitality Manager Should Know
- Essential Qualities Every Hotel Training Manager Needs
About the Author
Sumit Manwal is the founder of Hospitality Vacancy (since 2017) and has 20+ years of experience in hospitality. He received the "Excellence in Hospitality Sector of Uttarakhand" award, presented by Shri Dhan Singh Rawat ji (January 2023), and the Dainik Jagran inext Uttarakhand Ratan Samman for Excellence in Hospitality & Education, presented by Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari ji (2023). He helps hotels build reliable teams and professionals grow their careers.
📧 Contact: manwal@hospitalityvacancy.com | 🔗 LinkedIn
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