Having clear, written employment contracts is first step to address problem, say Australian researchers
Hospitality employers across Australia are generous when it comes to perks — but a new survey has revealed that this may just be a "distraction" from unfair work practices.
Researchers from Griffith University, Northumbria University, and the University of Queensland recently surveyed 383 Australian hospitality workers to look at how widespread perks are and how they interact with legal rights.
The poll found that 41% of the respondents receive some kind of benefit on top of their basic pay. These benefits are:
Other respondents said they receive laundry services, transportation, or Christmas gifts, according to the researchers in an article for The Conversation.
However, the report also uncovered that 34% of the respondents have no written terms of employment, while nearly half said they are missing out on their breaks.
Another 12% said they are being paid below the minimum wage, while nearly half said they don't receive overtime or penalty payments.
"Non-compliance with legal entitlements was widespread across the sector, although more pronounced in smaller venues," the researchers said in The Conversation article.
They argue that the "widespread culture of perks is a distraction from unfair work practices, especially for younger workers who make up most of the hospitality and service workforce."
"Such perks can blur the line between appreciation and obligation, which are offered as moral licenses to sidestep legal entitlements," they said.
"For inexperienced staff, these 'gifts' may indeed feel like part of the job, making it harder to identify when legal rights are being overlooked."
The researchers said fixing the problem will begin with "clear, written employment contracts."
The recommendation comes as their data revealed that workers with formal agreements were more likely to receive legal entitlements, such as proper rest breaks and overtime pay.
According to the researchers, business owners should also access tools and employment contract templates that are tailored to their industry.
They warned that businesses that rely on unpaid labour or ignore basic entitlements risk undercutting fair competition, contributing to burnout, or driving talent away.
"This affects service quality, workforce stability and ultimately the experiences of everyone who dines out, travels or enjoys Australia’s tourism offerings," the researchers said.
