UNDERSTANDING EMPLOYEE NEEDS – THE PATH TO LOYALTY
Snježana Gagić Jaraković
Mateja Stanojević
Vesna Vujasinović
Maja Paunić
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2025.11.32
UDC: 640.4:331.5
Abstract: Understanding and addressing employee needs is fundamental to fostering loyalty within organizations, particularly in the hospitality industry, where human capital is the cornerstone of service excellence. The research analyzes the needs of hospitality workers that are crucial for them to remain loyal to their employers. Through additional comments from respondents, their perspective on the current state of the profession will also be presented. The research was conducted online and included 612 hospitality workers from various positions. The findings of the study can provide clear guidelines for hospitality businesses on how to shape human resource strategies to attract new employees and retain existing ones. Focusing on the hospitality sector, the study investigates the unique challenges and expectations employees face, such as irregular working hours, high customer interaction. It highlights the importance of tailored strategies to meet these needs, ranging from effective communication and leadership to opportunities for personal and professional growth. This paper outlines best practices in employee engagement and retention through theoretical and data analysis, emphasizing that a satisfied and motivated workforce is essential for organizational success. The findings offer valuable insights for managers and industry stakeholders, presenting actionable recommendations for fostering a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being while aligning with organizational goals.
Keywords: Employee Needs, Employee Loyalty, Hospitality Industry, Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, Workforce Motivation, Leadership in Hospitality
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