How is work in tourism changing and what are the expectations of different generations? These questions were explored at the “Future of Tourism Dialogue” event on the topic of “Future of Work” in mid-January at FHWien der WKW. This event, organized by students, provided a space for discussion, exchange and practical insights.
As part of the “Event & Congress Design” specialization, 17 students from the Bachelor’s program in Tourism & Hospitality Management organized the second Future Dialogue on Tourism. They were accompanied and coached by Marie Lechner, lecturer at FHWien der WKW and Head of Governance & Community Management at UEG – United European Gastroenterology. The aim was to create a space where students, alumni, teachers and industry experts could meet on equal terms and discuss the working world of tomorrow.
To this end, the students chose formats that encouraged lively exchange and participation: live podcasts, discussions and fishbowls enabled different perspectives and an open framework for discussion.
Between Generations, Expectations and Communication
The topics of “Future of Work” and “New Work” took center stage. After a welcome and an introduction to the content by Head of Program FH-Prof. Dr. Florian Aubke, there was a live podcast with HR expert and lecturer Mag. Eva Aileen Jungwirth-Edelmann and Sophie Gräf, MA, Academic Expert & Lecturer at FHWien der WKW, moderated by student Hannah Reithofer. The podcast dealt with modern working environments, changing expectations, and the interaction between different generations. It became clear that work-life balance is understood individually and depends less on the quantity of working time than on the quality of work and one’s own creative freedom.
The discussion also addressed issues of trust, diversity and communication. Different values and needs are increasingly shaping everyday working life and require more exchange, transparency and mutual understanding. Communication between generations in particular was highlighted as a key factor for motivation and cooperation.
Inputs for the Future of the Industry
The audience also actively participated in the discussion. In the open discussion, existing prejudices against younger generations were questioned and examined in detail. At the same time, it became clear that career paths are more diverse today and that changes in one’s career are increasingly seen as an opportunity.
The concluding fishbowl discussion focused on the role of employers in tourism. The exchange highlighted the changes in the labor market, where companies have to make greater efforts to attract employees. It was also emphasized that personal responsibility and conscious decisions play an important role in creating a positive working atmosphere on both sides.
The Future Dialogue on Tourism showed how much the industry is changing. Communication on an equal footing, individual working models and new forms of collaboration are gaining in importance. With the Future Dialogue on Tourism on the topic of “Future of Work,” the students not only implemented a practical teaching format, but also made an important contribution to the tourism of tomorrow. Further Future Dialogues on various topics are planned and will continue this exchange.
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