Mysuru: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a notable shift in the hotel industry workforce in Mysuru, with a significant increase in employees from North Indian states. Currently, around 40% of hotel staff in Mysuru hails from north India, a stark rise from 20% before the pandemic. This trend, also observed in Bengaluru, reflects a growing reliance on workers from northern and northeastern states in the hospitality sector.
Industry stakeholders attribute this shift to several factors. North Indian workers, both skilled and unskilled, are noted for their reliability, hard work, and minimal absenteeism. They typically take leave in bulk with advance notice, which is beneficial for hotel management. Their versatility in performing various roles, from service and housekeeping to cooking, has become invaluable. Their expertise in preparing popular North Indian and Chinese dishes has also allowed hotels to diversify their menus and cater to evolving customer preferences.
C Narayana Gowda, president of the Hotel Owners’ Association in Mysuru, emphasized the impact of this workforce change. “North Indian employees now make up about 40% of our staff, compared to 20% before the pandemic. Their skills and adaptability are enhancing our service quality and expanding our culinary offerings,” he said.
PC Rao, president of the Bruhath Bangalore Hotels Association, confirmed similar trends in Bengaluru. He noted that job scarcity in their home regions has driven many from northern and northeastern states to seek opportunities in the southern cities of Mysuru and Bengaluru.