Employee Retention Strategies in Ireland’s Hospitality Industry

-, Kavita Kumari (2025) Employee Retention Strategies in Ireland’s Hospitality Industry. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The hospitality industry in Ireland, a vital contributor to the national economy, continues to grapple with high levels of employee turnover and retention challenges. This research investigates the influence of employer branding, employee development, and generational differences on staff retention within Ireland’s hospitality sector. With an increasingly diverse workforce and a competitive labour market, understanding these factors is critical for developing effective and sustainable human resource strategies.

A quantitative research methodology was adopted to explore measurable relationships between key variables. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, utilizing an online questionnaire distributed to a sample of 100 hospitality professionals across international hotel chains, national brands, and independent establishments operating within Ireland. The survey incorporated closed-ended and Likert-scale questions, allowing for statistical analysis and comparison.

Data collection was supported by SPSS software, enabling both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Ethical considerations were carefully addressed through informed consent, voluntary participation, and secure, anonymous data handling in compliance with GDPR standards. By examining the practical experiences and perceptions of employees, this study aims to identify which HR practices most significantly influence staff retention.

The study’s results show that strong employer branding, structured training programmes, and generationally tailored retention strategies significantly enhance employee commitment and reduce turnover. Younger staff valued flexibility and rapid growth, while older employees prioritised stability and recognition. Employers aligning strategies with these preferences reported higher satisfaction and loyalty, offering clear, evidence-based guidance for improving retention in Ireland’s hospitality sector.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Cheevers, Tara UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Employee Retention H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Specific Industries > Hospitality Industry H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe) > Ireland
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	01 Dec 2025 10:10
Last Modified:	01 Dec 2025 10:10
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/8996

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