The Paradigm Shift in the Service Industry:
The COVID-19 pandemic has been the primary catalyst for change in many industries, and the restaurant sector is no exception. During the lockdown, many restaurant workers realized their demanding, fast-paced jobs had taken a toll on their physical and mental health. Enhanced unemployment benefits and time off gave them time to reflect on how they might reenter the workforce.
Many workers looked and found new jobs in other industries offering more stability or benefits like health insurance and less stress. Some turned to gig work or self-employment for autonomy and flexibility. Others got job training or education and started new careers in fields like teaching or logistics. Of those who returned to the restaurant industry, some left again due to pandemic-era challenges like staff shortages, reduced hours, and lower tips.
Many workers also left the state after Ron DeSantis, in May of 2022, signed a law that prohibits anyone from transporting illegal immigrants into the state. Among other restrictions, the law imposes penalties on Florida businesses that hire undocumented immigrants and requires a citizenship question on patient forms for hospitals that accept Medicare. The unintended consequence was the loss of many low-wage restaurant and farm workers throughout the state.