What's Happening?
The hospitality industry has made significant strides in adopting sustainability frameworks and certifications over the past four decades. Despite these efforts, sustainability remains largely a managed aspect rather than an ingrained cultural practice within the industry. Certifications like Green Key and LEED are widespread, and sustainability performance is often highlighted in annual reports. However, a gap persists between sustainability commitments and actual behavioral change at the operational level. This disconnect is particularly evident among frontline employees who face high workloads and limited decision-making autonomy. Research indicates that sustainability initiatives perceived as additional tasks rather than meaningful contributions
lead to declining employee engagement. The industry struggles to move beyond compliance to foster a shared purpose and ownership of sustainability goals.
Why It's Important?
The hospitality industry's challenge in embedding sustainability into its culture has broader implications for environmental and social responsibility. As one of the sectors rapidly adopting sustainability frameworks, the industry's failure to internalize these practices could undermine its credibility and effectiveness in contributing to global sustainability goals. The gap between policy and practice highlights the need for a cultural shift that prioritizes sustainable behavior as a core value rather than a compliance requirement. This shift is crucial for maintaining employee motivation and guest engagement, ultimately impacting the industry's long-term viability and reputation. The industry's ability to transform sustainability from a checkbox into a lived experience could set a precedent for other sectors facing similar challenges.
