Harz in the labor shortage: Foreigners are securing the future of the catering industry!

Harz in the labor shortage: Foreigners are securing the future of the catering industry!

In the Harz, a region that attracts millions of holidaymakers and hikers every year, things are looking increasingly bleak when it comes to the availability of workers in the hospitality industry. Despite the rush on hotels and restaurants, companies are finding it difficult to find suitable employees news38 reported. The labor shortage affects not only urban but also rural areas, forcing many companies to keep their eyes open for international staff.

As the figures show, around 8.12 million overnight stays were recorded in the Harz in 2023. For the catering industry, this means an increased need for personnel, as a tight labor market keeps many German employees away. Companies are increasingly dependent on foreign workers in order to maintain their operations even in the high season. This situation is not new, but the dependence on international personnel is increasing. According to a survey by the German Press Agency, the proportion of foreign employees in the catering industry is higher than in other sectors.

The challenges of recruiting

However, recruiting foreign skilled workers is not easy. There are strict entry requirements for non-EU citizens, such as securing an employment contract, sufficient language skills and the recognition of professional qualifications. The long visa procedures often mean that companies can only start the new season late. There are many companies that are looking for both seasonal workers and skilled workers such as chefs, as local staff is difficult to find. Focus highlights that retaining this workforce is another major challenge.

A particularly notable point is that many employees find better prospects in larger cities and therefore leave more rural areas. Despite efforts to encourage recruitment from abroad, the question remains as to how long these workers will stay in the Harz Mountains. The origins of the workforce are diverse, many come from Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Vietnam or Croatian regions.

A look into the future

To address the labor shortage, a labor migration partnership with the Tangier region of Morocco is becoming increasingly important. Initially, a number of Moroccan trainees have already been integrated into the hospitality industry, which has potential for long-term changes. N-ag emphasizes that the support of the state government is crucial and could have positive effects on the recruitment of foreign workers.

Despite these challenges, the Harz remains a popular destination for tourists and nature lovers. Hiking on the Brocken, the highest mountain in the Harz, or visiting historical sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Rammelsberg Mine” in Goslar are still very popular. The picturesque setting and the rich myths and legends surrounding places like the Hexentanzplatz near Thale continue to attract many people, but without dedicated employees it is becoming increasingly difficult to live up to these expectations.