1300 363 128
Maree Herath interview Truffleduck Commerical Manager, Deb Nash.
Hospitality. By far the biggest casualty of the crisis.
This sector is by far, the biggest casualty of the Covid crisis. When group gatherings were made unlawful this sector had no choice but to shut its doors to its clientele. While some pivoted into take-away menu and meal delivery, and “pop – up” cafes in line with COVID restricutions, others were brought to a stand-still.
Two-thirds of those surveyed in the Geelong HR Index, said they would be emerging with decreased staff levels post pandemic and one-third reported they would emerge with similar staff numbers. The third that reported emerging with similar staff numbers was due to the fact they laid off their casuals amidst the pandemic and didn’t count casuals in their core workforce.
As we emerge from the pandemic restaurants and hospitality are putting staff back on but they only make up 2% of the region’s anticipated hires in the six months to December 2020. The sector will hire Chefs, Baristas and Administration disciplines.
Currently restaurants are booked out at their capacity limits so we would hope to see a resurgence in this sector in the Summer months.
100% of the audience said standing down staff was their biggest HR challenge, with two-thirds stating letting staff go and workforce planning a major challenge. Adding insult to injury many employers had to address legal implications during this time and it was a sector challenged by mental health issues of owners and their workers.
100% of respondents listed they felt underequipped for a pandemic. As the only sector that was prevented from trading due to the pandemic it left a lot of organisations, their owners and managers to work out, with immediacy, what to do.
Two-thirds listed getting across daily changes in regulations, updating contracts, polices and procedures and maintaining personal resilience as their biggest challenge.
The Truffleduck Experience
A familiar face around Geelong, Deb Nash gives an open and honest account of the challenging year faced by the hospitality industry.
Truffleduck, one of Geelong’s favourite event venues, will come out of this stronger for the experience.
As part of the HR Index, Maree Herath chatted with Deb Nash, Commerical Manager, Truffleduck.
Watch the interview with Deb Nash
2020 Geelong HR Index
Harvest Director, Maree Herath hosts a casual “on the couch” discussion with special guests Justin Giddings CEO Avalon Airport, Lisa Barton HR Operations The Gordon, Jason Doherty Regional GM Lifeline, Brian Cook CEO Geelong Cats , Debra Nash Commercial Director Truffle Duck and Mark Valena CEO GMHBA.
Click here to watch the 2020 Release of the HR Index on You Tube. (60 minutes)
Each industry, based on how the pandemic played out, had different HR challenges which can be found in the separate findings by sector. If you wish purchase one of The Geelong HR Index 2020 Reports, please contact Harvest t: 1300 363 128
- Complete Geelong HR Index 2020 Report – $399
- Regional Report – $299
- Industry Reports – $199
We trust the findings will increase your understanding of the Geelong region; that you will be able to use the data to respond to challenges, take advantage of opportunities and play your part in the social and sustainable development of our great City.
