‘I know hotels that have bought several units to house staff’ – manager on retaining workers in tourism industry

Emer Corridan, general manager of the Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co Kerry, advised the owners to invest in a four-bedroom house. It accommodates six or seven staff at the height of the summer season.

"I find because of external problems like housing, there is nowhere for people to live, so trying to attract new employees is really difficult," said Ms Corridan, who is originally from Navan, Co Meath.

"You're fighting for the same pool that everyone else is and if you don't have somewhere for them to live, that causes real problems.

"So, we've put a lot of work into trying to retain our existing staff and keep them happy... Otherwise, you're pulling from the same pool that every other hotel in town is pulling from."

She said apart from offering higher pay, trainee manager courses are subsidised to retain staff.

I know hotels that have bought several units to house people

"Anyone with experience, they're the ones that are difficult to find," she said. "Supervisors, the middle management – people you can trust to leave the business to if senior management aren't around."

The hotel owners purchased a four-bedroom house in 2018 to rent to staff after hiring chefs from abroad.

After later recruiting some local chefs, the house was used as an Airbnb for a couple of years. Now it is back in use as staff accommodation.

"It's absolutely essential," said Ms Corridan. "It's not unusual for Killarney. I know hotels that have bought several units to house people.

"Any of the big hotels that I know have bought staff accommodation or are renting accommodation.

"It's not just hotels. I know of a childcare business owner who also bought a house for staff."

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Another local hotelier has built accommodation with 24 bedrooms, she said, and it's full.

"I could do with more space," she said. "I have a chef who came during the summer when the staff house was full, and is still looking for somewhere to rent.

"In Killarney, rent is anything above €1,200 a month for one person."

Ms Corridan says hospitality is a rewarding career. She wishes more guidance councillors would encourage students to consider it.

"It's a great buzz, it really is," she said.