HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY SEEKS SENIOR WORKERS.

• Position: Ralph R. Kavanaugh, Purdue University, Indiana - Brief Article

When Congress repealed Social Security earnings limits in 2000, it was good news for hotels and restaurants scrambling for employees as unemployment in the hospitality field sinks to new lows. "The food and lodging industry is eager to bring seniors into the workplace," explains Raphael R. Kavanaugh, head of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. There is more than 200% annual turnover among hourly employees in the food-service business, creating a management nightmare.

However, "There is a perception problem among seniors about the industry," he points out. "They don't believe the industry is willing to hire them." Nor do the seniors have a positive view of hospitality, citing what they view as stressful, fast-paced working environments where regular, daytime schedules often are hard to find. "They tend to view the work as all hard, physical labor."

Kavanaugh says it is the hospitality industry's job to address misperceptions. He suggests that, in order to attract seniors...