Global drinks industry community, Celebrate Her, hospitality training platform, Allara Global and consumer intelligence experts, CGA by NIQ have partnered to conduct a global drinks industry survey, which has delivered fascinating insights on what it is like to work in the drinks hospitality industry.
The survey, which gathered responses from around 1000 drinks industry professionals, explored issues ranging from sexism and workplace safety to job satisfaction and career development. While some results suggest the industry is evolving for the better, they also underscore areas in urgent need of attention.
In light of recent scrutiny of the hospitality industry’s public image, particularly in Australia, many of the survey findings align with reports raised in the media. Female employees are significantly more likely to experience sexual harassment at work than their male counterparts, and 27 per cent of employees did not report these incidents to their employer. While social issues such as toxic work environments, emotional strain, and bullying were more likely to be reported, seven out of 10 respondents said their concerns were not adequately addressed.
The findings also pointed to a need for greater inclusivity and cultural diversity. Diversity is seen as enriching the hospitality industry, with 82 per cent of respondents saying it is important or extremely important in their workplace. Female respondents in particular highlighted the value of diversity. Although age and gender diversity are more commonly observed, there is room for improvement in representation of religious beliefs and sexual orientation. Notably, 42 per cent of respondents said people with disabilities were not represented in their workplace at all.
Promotion and career progression emerged as another area in need of reform. Three in 10 female employees said they had been prevented from advancing their careers due to discrimination or bias. Opportunities for advancement need to be more clearly defined, especially for those in the critical four-to-10-year experience window, an important period for encouraging long-term retention and professional growth.
Mental health and physical wellbeing remain pressing challenges for hospitality staff. A growing number of workers report inadequate mental health support, with nearly half of those struggling saying they feel unsupported by their employers. Four in 10 said they wouldn’t feel comfortable raising mental health concerns at work. Front-of-house staff in particular were more likely to feel their issues would be ignored or dismissed. The effects extend beyond mental health: 85 per cent of respondents reported consuming alcohol weekly, raising further concerns about the physical toll of the job.
The survey also highlighted a notable shift in how hospitality work is perceived. Two-thirds of respondents reported building long-term careers in the industry, whether they entered it with a passion or developed one over time. With the right support, hospitality can provide a strong sense of purpose and a rewarding career path.
However, retention remains a challenge. Uncompetitive salaries, long hours, and poor work-life balance continue to drive people away from the industry. Nearly half of respondents said they were dissatisfied with their work-life balance.
Parental leave and support for working parents, particularly mothers, were identified as another area in need of improvement. Seventy-six per cent of parents surveyed had turned down work opportunities due to family or parenting commitments.
In terms of career progression, stress and burnout were cited by 57 per cent of respondents as barriers to advancement, while 42 per cent pointed to a lack of senior roles. More training and development opportunities are needed to equip staff with the skills and confidence to progress.
Low pay was the most commonly cited reason for considering leaving the industry, followed by its public reputation and challenges around work-life balance. Many respondents also said that increased recognition and support from government would help make the industry more attractive for current and future workers.
To further explore the survey findings, the team behind the project recently hosted a series of exclusive roundtable discussions with industry journalists, commentators, leaders, and community members. Moderated by Anna Sebastian, these sessions provided a forum to analyse the data and share practical solutions.
These roundtables mark the beginning of a new series of Celebrate Her panel events, which will tour globally throughout 2026. Each event will focus on the specific challenges faced by the hospitality and drinks industry in different regions around the world.