By Sean Connolly
Director

Make no mistake, when it comes to the HR function these are challenging times for the leisure industry. This most people-centric element of most businesses is being severely impacted by a combination of factors that are affecting the whole sector.

On the corporate front the industry is in the midst of great upheaval through widespread consolidation. This is leading to cost-cutting programmes, which are manifesting themselves in a de-layering of employees.

And on the social trends front we are seeing a disproportionate shortage of young people entering the world of work. This will make it increasingly difficult for leisure companies to hit their recruitment quotas in the future.

But handling these issues is all part of what it takes to be a player in the leisure industry today and within this competitive environment HR should play a crucial role. The only problem is that HR has not had too good a time of late. The cost-cutting activities currently taking place in the sector have led to a need for all elements of a business to show that they add value and HR has not been spared.