Almost two-thirds (63%) of hospitality workers now feel fairly paid, a rise of 12% on 2025, a new survey shows.
The Hospitality People Survey 2026, which spoke with 1,446 hospitality managers and staff across the UK, found that tipping is becoming less important to staff, dropping from 75% in 2025 to 51% in 2026, driven by rising base salaries and formalised tip distribution processes.
While 7% of employees reported working 16 or more hours a week overtime in 2026, compared with 22% in 2025, more employees are now being paid for those additional hours, rising to 78% in 2026 compared with 41% in 2025.
However, health concerns are on the rise, with 36% saying work has a negative impact on their mental health, and 39% reporting a negative effect on their physical health.
Work-life balance is also down, according to the survey. In 2024 59% said they had a good work-life balance, followed by 56% in 2025 and now 53% in 2026.
Despite this, 93% of employees would recommend a career in the industry to a friend or family member, up from 74% in 2025. The survey said that job factors could be contributing to this rising number, with the top considerations currently being fair salary (56%), holiday entitlement (53%), training and development (52%), and flexible hours (51%).
In the UK, 72% said working with great people remains the most important factor for retention. However, the likelihood of remaining with their current employer has dropped to 52% in 2026, down from 62% in 2024.
The survey said a shift in employee priorities could be driving the decline. Overall, the findings show that growth, stimulating work and supportive colleagues now outweigh pay as motivators for staff.
“Employees are seeking more long-term development, with retention driven by opportunities and new challenges,” said Access Hospitality commercial director Rob Paterson. “This highlights the need for employers to prioritise clear progression, reflecting a shift away from traditional perks towards career growth.
“The UK hospitality workforce is becoming more ambitious and career focused. However, whilst passion remains high, declining satisfaction and work-life balance, as well as the rising expectations around salary and development, will push employers to rethink how they attract and retain talent.”
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