At One Haus, we spend every day talking with hospitality professionals across the globe: from executives to operators, chefs to managers, and beyond. We know what these professionals and rising stars are thinking about as they make their next move.
As we head into 2026, the data we have from searches, placements, and broader industry research shows that for candidates considering a move this year, finding success will be less about chasing the loudest opportunity… and more about prioritizing longevity and growth.
If you’re thinking of a career move this year, here’s what to focus on in your search.
1. Leadership and Management Quality
We all know that hospitality continues to struggle with retention. Industry reports consistently show annual turnover rates hovering around 70% and poor management is regularly cited as one of the top reasons employees leave.
As a candidate, this means a few things. First, the job market may be crowded with candidates similar to you, who are leaving their current posts for similar reasons. Rather than view these folks as competition, be sure to sit down with your peers and keep communication flowing. Knowing which hotels or restaurants have the highest turnover and why can protect you from starting a job search in the wrong places.
Second, it means that as you search, leadership quality should be a primary filter in your criteria. Strong managers create structure, communicate clearly, and advocate for their teams loudly. During interviews, don’t be afraid to ask about leadership styles, team turnover, and internal promotion trends so that you have a better understanding of how the organization operates and what its strong and weak points are.
2. Culture Is No Longer a “Soft” Factor
Recent workforce surveys across service industries indicate that 60% of hotel employees prioritize work environment over salary, proving that culture is the easiest way to retain employees and bolster their satisfaction over time.
Keep in mind that culture reveals itself early, especially in the hospitality space. Disorganized interviews, vague expectations, or inconsistent communication can be early indicators of deeper issues. Candidates who pay attention to these signals will be able to avoid short-lived placements and chaotic work environments.
3. Clear Growth and Advancement Paths
According to global labor data, companies that offer defined career development opportunities see up to 34% higher employee retention. In hospitality, where upward mobility is a major draw, candidates should look for employers who are able to articulate what growth actually looks like. A strong organization won’t just be looking to fill a gap, they’ll be looking to place candidates on a ladder that benefits both parties over time.
This doesn’t always mean rapid promotion. Development at a hotel, venue or restaurant can mean mentorship, cross-functional experience, or exposure to new concepts. At One Haus, we see the strongest long-term placements come from candidates who know to prioritize trajectory over an initial title.
4. Transparency Around Compensation and Expectations
Pay transparency laws and shifting candidate expectations have changed hiring dynamics. Studies show that job postings and interviews with clear compensation ranges receive 30–40% more qualified applicants and lead to faster placements. Of course, this makes perfect sense. If you can’t be sure that a role will pay your bills, then you don’t want to spend the time to apply for the position.
As a candidate, it’s smart to expect clarity around pay structure, scheduling, bonuses, and performance metrics early in the process. Transparency is no longer a perk, it’s a baseline. Don’t be afraid to ask for it.
Ready for a New Opportunity this Year?
The hospitality job market in 2026 continues to offer strong opportunities for skilled professionals, but the most successful candidates are selective and informed. From our perspective at One Haus, the candidates who thrive are those who prioritize leadership, culture, growth, and transparency. They’re looking not only for their next role, but the right one.