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- Attraction and retention strategies: what matters to the millennial?Publication . Silva, Susana; Martins, Dora; Marques, AureaThe labour market is suffering many changes and transformations putting several challenges to human resources management. One of the biggest challenges is related to the attraction and retention of employees to work in several activity sectors and to retain the talent in the organisations. In particular, hospitality and technology sectors have seen robust growth since the pandemic-induced. This study aims to explore the strategies for attracting and retaining millennials. More specifically, to understand the challenges of multigenerational management, and to understand the strategies used by organisations to meet the needs and interests of the millennial generation. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using a semi-structured interview with 17 Human resources managers. Data were analysed according to thematic analysis procedures. The results showed that university partnerships are the preferred practice for attracting millennials, work-life balance, benefits, organisational culture, investment in professional development, feedback, and recognition are the main attraction and retention strategies. Participants consider the millennial Generation to be committed, and the biggest challenge in managing generational diversity is linked to the demand and impatience of millennials. In conclusion, human resources managers should consider the generation characteristics to adequate and update their human resources practices.
- Exploring intercultural adjustment of self-initiated expatriates: a study of brazilians in PortugalPublication . Martins, Dora; Silva, Susana; Silva, QuérenSelf-initiated expatriation is a widespread phenomenon that has gained limited attention, in particular related to some countries and industries. Recent literature indicates that the hospitality industry is looking for talent beyond national boundaries. The main goal of this study is to understand the experiences of Brazilian self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) residing in Portugal. We are studying how individuals adjust to the job market and Portuguese society, to identify factors that help or hinder their integration into a country known as “sister nations”. The methodology employed in this study involved a qualitative approach to comprehensively investigate the experiences of Brazilian SIEs living in Portugal. A semi-structured interview script was administered to the participants, focusing on their perceptions of cultural adjustment in the country. The findings of this research indicate that adapting to the intercultural environment in Portugal can be quite difficult in terms of professional development. Building social connections and being part of the SIE communities is crucial for a smooth transition and integration into the country. The perception of acceptance by the local community varies, with some individuals reporting positive experiences while others encounter prejudice and discrimination. Participants mentioned that the main challenge in finding work in Portugal is the recognition of degrees in certain fields of study. The final section outlines the study’s limitations and suggests future research directions, with a specific focus on SIEs in Portugal.
- How human resources management practices affect employee satisfaction and motivation: a study in the hospitality sectorPublication . Silva, Susana; Gonçalves, MárciaThe employees’ behavior in the hotel industry plays a fundamental role in customer satisfaction, as it directly affects the quality of the service provided to consumers. Several authors have highlighted employees as an essential resource for achieving business success in the hospitality sector. This study aims to understand the impact of Human Resource Management Practices in the hotel industry and their influence on employee motivation and satisfaction in the workplace, using a hotel group as a case study. A quantitative, cross-sectional, and correlational study was carried out by applying a questionnaire to 60 employees (30 women and 30 men) from a hotel group aged between 18 and 34. The data and hypotheses were tested using IBM SPSS 28.0. The results show that recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and reward management practices are related to the level of employee satisfaction. In turn, recruitment practices, performance evaluation, reward management, diversity and inclusion, and administration and control are related to employee motivation. The conclusion is that human resource management practices should be used to meet the needs of employees, promoting their satisfaction, motivation, and organisational commitment.
- What skills are required for sustainable leadership in hospitality?Publication . Silva, Susana; Pereira de Oliveira, Mónica; Silva, CândidaThe focus of Sustainability Leadership in tourism is on fostering individual development to facilitate adaptation to emerging technologies within complex and rapidly evolving environments, ultimately aiming to enhance performance and organizational effectiveness. Sustainable leaders prioritize collaboration, consensus-building, and support for team members to collectively achieve shared objectives, particularly those set by diverse stakeholders. This qualitative study employed a semi-structured interview methodology to explore sustainability leadership within the hospitality sector. All interviews were conducted via online platforms and examined using thematic analysis. The sample included 10 hotel managers from various lodging establishments in Portugal, comprising four men (40%) and six women (60%). Participants’ ages ranged from below 30 to 50 years, with one manager under 30, five between 31 and 40, and four between 41 and 50. In the context of organizational sustainability, participants emphasized the importance of a long-term perspective, safety considerations, and corporate social responsibility. Half of the respondents indicated the presence of sustainability-specific policies, largely derived from group policies or specific sustainability-focused project requirements. Most participants reported that sustainability is integrated into their organization’s vision and mission, with several referencing the European Union Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as key frameworks guiding their strategies. The majority of participants assessed their digital proficiency as advanced, even within complex operational contexts. Organizational digitalization levels were generally advanced, although some organizations were identified at an intermediate digitalization stage. Furthermore, social dimensions of sustainability and soft skills were regarded as essential for sustainable leadershipin hospitality. The most highly valued leadership soft skills included solution-oriented thinking, resilience, critical thinking, communication, and team cohesion, whereas time management was identified as a lesser priority. These findings underscore the significance of sustainability for managers in the hospitality sector, though the degree of implementation varies across lodging types and different sustainability dimensions.
- An overview of higher education in tourism and hospitality in PortugalPublication . Moura, Andreia Antunes; Costa, Vânia; Loureiro, Isabel Sofia; Silva, Susana; Mira, Maria do Rosário; Pereira, Sílvia RaquelObjective: This study evaluates the higher education provision in Portugal's tourism and hospitality sector, examining its evolution and alignment with labor market demands to address the growing skills gap in the industry.TheoreticalFramework: The research is grounded in concepts of labor market demands, educational alignment, and workforce development amid digital, societal, and economic transformations. Theories on skills mismatch and human capital development help understand the dynamics between education and employment in this sector.Method: A comprehensive review of higher education offerings in tourism and hospitality in Portugal was conducted, assessing the number of courses and student vacancies while analyzing job market trends. Data were collected from national educational databases and industry reports to examine the evolving relationship between educational programs and labor needs.Results and Discussion: Results indicate a notable increase in tourism and hospitality courses and student vacancies in Portugal’s higher education system, reflecting efforts to cultivate a skilled workforce. However, gaps persist in regional job distribution and the need for specialized training in certain areas.Research Implications: Thefindings suggest that higher education institutions are progressing in closing the skills gap by offering programs aligned with industry needs, which may influence workforce development strategies and curriculum design.Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by analyzing Portugal's educational response to labor market shifts, highlighting the growing alignment between education and industry needs, and providing actionable insights for improving human capital development in tourism and hospitality.
- Exploring employee experience: millennial human resources practitioners in the IT sectorPublication . Martins, Dora; Silva, Susana; Sousa, InêsThe labour market is going through a disruptive phase, characterised by changes in expectations about work. On the one hand, younger generations of employees value aspects such as purpose, personal development, and work-life balance, making these elements crucial to a positive experience at work. On the other hand, organisations recognise that employee satisfaction and well-being influence organisational success. Thus, the main objective of this study is to understand the employee experience of millennial human resources in the information technologies (IT) sector. As specific objectives, we intend to understand which (i) factors they consider influencing their personal and professional experience within organizations; (ii) organizational practices associated with the promotion of positive employee experience; (iii) organizational strategies adopted to promote a positive employee experience and, (iv) challenges linked with positive employee experience management. A qualitative research methodology was used to collect data, using a semi-structured interview with a group of 10 millennial human resources professionals joining the IT sector to answer the research question how is the experience of millennial human resources in the IT sector? The interviews were verbatim transcribed, and data were analysed according to thematic analysis procedures. Our findings show that human resources professionals belonging to the millennial generation express a greater interest in being part of organizations that offer a compensation and benefits system aligned with their performance, in addition to ensuring an effective work-life balance. Furthermore, they emphasize the influence of organizational behaviour on their job satisfaction, indicating that employee experience tends to be positive when the organization promotes a collaborative culture, fostering a work environment conducive to the development of strong interpersonal relationships, the creation of cohesive and dynamic teams, and a clear alignment between individual and organizational goals. Overall, the interviewees demonstrate satisfaction with their current employee experience, acknowledging that it meets their needs and interests comprehensively. Some conclusions for Human Resources Management are provided in the last part of the paper.
- Social sustainability: the challenges to the restaurant sectorPublication . Maia, Beatriz; Silva, Susana; Melo, AntónioThe guarantee of sustainable development has been a growing concern in various economic sectors, particularly from the economic and environmental perspective. In a post-pandemic scenario, the restaurant industry was one of the most affected worldwide and had to undergo abrupt changes to remain operational. Thus, this study primarily focuses on addressing the challenges faced by Human Resources Management (HRM) in attracting and retaining employees in the restaurant sector. This research aims to understand the challenges faced in retaining and attracting talent to restaurants and to explore the strategies that should be adopted to ensure the restaurant’s social. It used a qualitative methodology, with 10 (5 female and 5 male, with a mean age of 35 years old) semi-structured interviews with professionals who chose to leave this profession, to ensure a concerted view of the current state of the sector in the north of Portugal. Through thematic analysis of the interviews, the results identified the current difficulties in attracting and retaining employees in the sector, as well as some HRM strategies that can address these challenges. These findings emerged from the themes 'Special Features of the Restaurant Sector' and 'Attraction and Retention Strategies.' The first theme contextualizes and characterizes the sector's reality, arising from four categories: activity context, company type, the COVID-19 pandemic, and turnover factors. Meanwhile, the second theme presents the attraction and retention strategies that HRM in restaurant companies should implement, while also exploring some challenges faced in designing and implementing these strategies in practice. Specifically, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, onboarding, integration and socialization, and career management. In conclusion, social sustainability still has little prominence in the restaurant sector. To become more attractive, the restaurant sector needs to invest in better non-monetary benefits, such as flexible working hours, health insurance, professional recognition, training investment, and career advancement opportunities. This study intends to help companies take measures to improve employee satisfaction and also increase talent retention and new employees’ attraction.
- Cooking up a sustainable future: insights of circular economy in the restaurantsPublication . Maia, Beatriz; Silva, Susana; Melo, António; Silva, Goretti; Azevedo, Daniel; Camões, Henrique; Melo, CarlaRestaurants increasingly prioritize promoting sustainability within their kitchen’s operations, focusing their offers on valuing raw materials as a central point of gastronomy, thus highlighting the importance of local, responsible consumption and respect for nature and the environment. The Circular Economy (CE) emerges as a new sustainability paradigm, uncovering valuable opportunities for organizations and customers, in harmony with the environment. This study aims to characterize good sustainable and circular practices in the restaurant sector, understanding how endogenous products can enhance food waste reduction. Through a qualitative methodology, nine semi-structured exploratory interviews were carried out with restaurant experts, to gain in-depth knowledge into sustainable and CE practices used in restaurants. By conducting a thematic analysis, three main themes emerged 'Positioning and Branding,' 'Circular Economy,' and 'Product and Food Waste'. 'Positioning and Branding' covers the evolution of an eco-conscious mindset in organizations, from the inception of sustainable thinking to the imperative for change. It emerges from the categories: ´Organization, actions, and partnerships’, ‘Challenges and success factors’, and ‘Awareness’. The theme 'Circular Economy,' presents circular practices within daily restaurant operations, their understanding of circular concepts, and the progress made in adopting these behaviors. It arises from three categories: ‘Circularity’, ‘Resource Management’ and ‘Transition’. The 'Product and Food Waste' theme addresses concerns related to product and food waste, including supplier selection, innovative gastronomic offerings, and food waste minimization strategies. It is based on the categories: ‘Suppliers and Raw Materials’, ‘Food Waste Minimization”, and ‘Gastronomic Offer’. The findings reveal a growing awareness of the need for sustainability and circular practices in the restaurant sector. Organizations are actively seeking ways to reduce food waste, optimize sourcing, best operating procedures and offer more sustainable menus representing significant progress toward a more sustainable future in the restaurant business.
- Interacting with "zoomies": difficulties and challenges trough the eyes of lecturersPublication . Carvalho, Amélia; Lima, Vanda; Silva, Susana; Silva, Cândida; Fernandes, Joana; Peres, PaulaThe COVID-19 pandemic period has had a massive impact on educational environments, and Higher Education has not been an exception. During the lockdown period, academic activities were mainly provided in a remote teaching environment. This transition has raised new challenges for students and lecturers. The present study is particularly focused on lecturers’ perceptions. Namely, it aims to understand their perception of the teaching and assessment process during the first lockdown due to COVID-19, in a Portuguese Higher Education Institution. More specifically, we aim to explore the main difficulties and challenges associated with remote teaching environments. This research was based on a qualitative approach. For the data collection, we gathered information from semi-structured interviews. The data were collected through a semi-structured interview conducted in September 2020. We obtained 24 interviews from teachers at Porto Polytechnic University, the country’s largest Portuguese Polytechnic Higher Education Institution. Data were analysed according to content analysis procedures using specific software for data conduct and content analysis. Our results showed that full-time lecturers had more teaching and administrative workload and enormous challenges when compared with part-time lecturers. Most of the teachers were satisfied with Emergency Remote Teaching. The main difficulties referred by the teachers were the time adaptation to acquire the technological skills required in remote teaching and an increased workload concerning class preparation. Nonetheless, the most significant challenges encountered were the lack of student interaction during the classes and the difficulty in redesigning a fair and correct assessment for every subject within a remote environment. Therefore, the more experienced lecturers were the least satisfied with the teaching and the assessment during the first lockdown. Furthermore, technological issues and problems related to teacher-student interaction were perceived as challenging. These results reinforce the need to stabilise the teaching staff in Higher Education Institutions and to develop new strategies and models for Higher Education.
- Learning inside the box: students' perceptions of emergency remote learningPublication . Fernandes, Joana; Silva, Susana; Silva, Cândida; Lima, Vanda; Carvalho, Amélia; Peres, PaulaCOVID-19 has had a considerable impact on learning environments, placing huge challenges on students and teachers. During the pandemic period, academic activities were mainly provided in a remote learning environment. Learning and assessment activities had to be adjusted to remote environments. The present study is particularly focuses on students' perceptions. Namely, it aims to understand the students' perceptions of the learning and assessment activities during the first lockdown due to COVID-19 in a Portuguese Higher Education Institution. Specifically, we aim to understand the difficulties and challenges identified by higher education students related to remote learning environments. For this qualitative study, we used a semi-structured interview for data collection. Data were collected in September and October 2020. We interviewed 29 students from a Portuguese Higher education institution. Data were analysed according to content analysis procedures. Our results suggest that most students had a positive evaluation of the learning process and assessment during the pandemic. The most positive dimensions were related to their ability to manage their own time and better work/study management. On the other hand, students understood it as a challenge to their ability to maintain focus, be motivated for classes and tasks, and interact with the teacher. These challenges are related to the understanding of less efficient learning. Therefore, most students were satisfied with the learning and the assessment process during the first lockdown. Furthermore, students identified several positive aspects and challenges related to this period. Higher Education Institutions' decision-makers should consider these results to develop new strategies and models for Higher Education.