By RK Shih / Staff
KAOHSIUNG — A Kaohsiung hotel’s long-running “Silver Talent Program” is helping address persistent labor shortages in the hospitality sector, with middle-aged and older employees now accounting for about 38% of its workforce, according to a report from TVBS.
Launched before the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative targets retirees and workers seeking second careers, bringing experienced personnel back into the labor market. Hotel management says the approach has stabilized staffing while improving service standards through seasoned employees with strong interpersonal skills.
Mr. Chen (陳), 50, previously worked in sales for more than two decades before transitioning to housekeeping. He said the career change allowed him to explore a new field later in life, adding that guidance from senior colleagues helped him adapt quickly.
Another employee, surnamed Ma (馬), joined the engineering department after leaving his previous job through an early retirement program following 25 years of service. He completed vocational training courses offered by the Ministry of Labor and obtained certification in electrical and plumbing work before entering the hotel industry.
Supervisors note that many hotel tasks rely on experience and repetition. The hotel’s head of housekeeping said skills such as bed-making become significantly more efficient once workers gain familiarity and rhythm.
The hotel’s food and beverage deputy manager added that older staff often excel in customer service, especially in southern Taiwan, where warmth and attentiveness are highly valued. Management says the program demonstrates how a multigenerational workforce can offset labor shortages while maintaining consistent service quality.
