New research finds "perks" for hospitality workers may be, in some cases, masking the fact many still aren't receiving legal entitlements such as fair pay and conditions.
Perks for hospitality workers are informal, non-contractual benefits such as free drinks, free meals and discounted services that are provided at the discretion of employers.
More than 44 per cent of respondents in the study said they never or rarely received overtime pay or time off for public holidays, and more than 49 per cent said they did not regularly receive legally mandated breaks.
Griffith Institute for Tourism lead researcher Dr Olivier Oren said perks could be contributing to a positive workplace atmosphere, however the culture of perks could be exacerbating non-compliance in the industry.
"The provision of perks can mask serious issues such as overwork and wage theft," Dr Oren said.
"The normalisation of informal rewards and goodwill gestures can blur the lines between legal entitlements and informal benefits, leaving workers uncertain about their rights and their employers' obligations."
Survey respondents were primarily under 35 years old, and worked in hospitality positions such as line cooks, café attendants and wait staff.
National data showed 58 per cent of women made up the hospitality workforce in Australia, however more men than women participated in this study, suggesting a gendered imbalance in participation that warranted further investigation.
"Workers have said they would prefer benefits such as fair pay, work-life balance, respect, and legal compliance over informal perks," Dr Oren said
"Workers who received a written and signed agreement before starting their job were much more likely to receive their entitlements."
Researchers from Griffith, Western Sydney University and The University of Queensland have launched a new study, The International Hospitality, Tourism and Travel Employment Survey, which is being conducted to better understand the work conditions of hospitality staff and aims to improve working conditions, policies and support for employees and employers alike.
To be involved in the new survey, participants must be at least 18 years old, be currently working in the hospitality, travel and tourism sector and currently live in Australia.
