Examining selected aspects of labour market performance in the Polish tourism sector can extend our knowledge of hotel company attitudes in connection with COVID-19. The aims of this article are to present selected determinants of labour market performance in the Polish tourism sector (with particular emphasis on the hotel industry) in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic and to address the following research question: how did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the functioning of hotel companies in the key tourist region of Poland—Zachodniopomorskie province? The research methods used in the study included critical analysis of source literature, survey method, correspondence analysis method, and analysis of primary and secondary data, mainly from official statistics. The survey was conducted in January 2022. Information was collected from 129 respondents using surveys. The results of the research presented in the article reveal that the observed long-term upward trend in the national labour market has been halted by the pandemic and that (among the various accommodation facilities) hotels are the most vulnerable to changes in the tourism labour market. The authors’ contributions to the literature are the identification of the extent to which businesses from the hotel industry have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the determination of the impact of the pandemic on selected employment-related aspects of business operations in Zachodniopomorskie province.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a loss of the sense of financial security among employees. The consequence is decreased productivity, affecting employers who also suffer related costs. Actions to support employees’ financial wellness are therefore important and necessary, especially in the case of those working in the strategic sector ensuring national energy security. The main aim of the article is to present, from the theoretical and practical point of view, the essence and role of Employee Financial Wellness Programs (EFWPs) in the creation of an effective incentive system in energy sector companies in Poland during the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The following research methods were used: critical analysis of source literature, comparative analysis of existing data and the descriptive method with elements of deductive reasoning. In order to collect primary data, the indirect survey method was used, namely, the CAWI Internet survey technique, which was addressed to the main energy generation sector entities in the country. The research has shown that financial wellness instruments are new to the Polish market, where they have been in limited operation since 2021. It was confirmed that some companies in the energy sector are using such innovative tools, but they also show the need and interest to implement more extensive and comprehensive Employee Financial Wellness Programs that will reduce the financial stress of employees while motivating them to work more efficiently during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: The objective of the article is to determine the relationships between selected job characteristics in hotel enterprises and employees’ work engagement and investigate how this may relate to their intention to leave. Research Design & Methods: The research involved employees directly serving hotel guests (front office) of six Tricity hotels in Poland. The hotels included in the study were medium and higher standard facilities that provide a wide and comprehensive range of services. We conducted the research using a direct survey, with 108 participating respondents. Findings: Survey research conducted among employees of Tricity hotels showed a significant correlation between the analyzed job characteristics and work engagement, which in turn significantly weakens hotel employees’ intention to leave. Implications & Recommendations: The obtained results provide valuable information about the relationships between selected characteristics of the work process in the hotel industry and how they affect work engagement and intention to leave. The results may help the management of hospitality companies formulate recommended actions to optimize work conditions so that they are conducive to higher service quality and reduced employee turnover. Contribution & Value Added: The research results expand knowledge of human resources management, in particular regarding optimization of the work process conditions in the hotel industry to strengthen employees’ engagement. This is an original study, which treats the proposed relationships holistically in the context of the specifics of the hotel industry.

Motives: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an unprecedented disruption to the global tourism economy. The diminished demand for hotel services, coupled with substantial operational uncertainty, compelled hoteliers to adopt survival strategies, often entailing workforce reductions. Aim: The objective of the article was to assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment levels in hotel establishments in Poland and to suggest a strategy that would enable these facilities to navigate similar challenges in the future. Results: The article explores the sensitivity of employment in the hotel industry to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on a case study of Poland. It highlights significant changes in the hotel labour market during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study includes a detailed analysis of individuals working in the hotel industry from 2012 to 2021. Additionally, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment in Polish hotels was examined based on the collected primary data. The research findings affirm the industry’s susceptibility to pandemic risks, but they indicate that appropriate measures can mitigate negative effects. Consequently, the article proposes strategies to assist hotel facilities in overcoming similar challenges in the future.