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While almost every industry has taken a hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, none have been hit as hard as the hospitality sector. From the closing of restaurants and bars to the restrictions placed on travel, the leisure and hospitality industry has lost 7.7 million jobs in April alone. That accounts for 47% of all positions. 

“Working in a restaurant means being part of a family for most,” says Dani Mullins, WSI Account Manager with over 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry. “Right now there are lots of lost people out there looking for a home and a sense of belonging that would benefit from a new opportunity.”

So, what are these hospitality workers to do in the meantime? The additional unemployment benefits and stimulus package kept furloughed waiters, hotel clerks, bartenders, and more afloat for awhile. But the extra funding has ended and many hospitality jobs are still unavailable or operating on reduced hours. Here’s where hospi-facturing comes in. 

If you think about it, hospitality and manufacturing aren’t so different.

Hospitality Manufacturing
• Serves people
• Transports tourists
• Prepares towels/bedding for guests
• Uses technology and machines
• Serves suppliers
• Transports products
• Washes/prepares garments for all industries
• Uses technology and machines

WSI identified this comparison in industries and saw an opportunity to provide short term solutions for those affected. Hospitality provides workers with easily transferable skills to move into a temporary manufacturing position during this time of shutdown. And, it even provides some benefits hospitality workers may not have enjoyed before, such as:

  • Steady schedule
  • Consistent pay
  • Holidays and weekends off
  • Multiple shift opportunities (for early risers and night-owls)
  • Temporary work

Think hospi-facturing may be a good fit for you? Take the quiz to find out!

To learn about WSI’s part in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, read our blog: Our Role and Responsibility: Navigating Through COVID-19

For community resources, check out: Community Resources you can use Today