Modern Trends in Human Resource Management in the Hospitality Sector and the Formation of Mechanisms for Its Implementation

Abstract

Introduction. The article examines current trends in human resource management (HRM) within the hospitality industry amid economic transformation, wartime challenges, and European integration processes in Ukraine. The relevance of effective HR management is substantiated as a key factor determining the competitiveness of hotel and restaurant enterprises. The study emphasizes that the success of the hospitality sector directly depends on the quality of human capital, the level of digital maturity, and the ability to adapt to international labor standards. Methods. The research employs comparative, structural-functional, and content analysis of scientific sources, as well as methods of systematization and synthesis of theoretical and practical approaches. The information base includes academic studies by Ukrainian and foreign scholars, analytical reports from the ILO, HOTREC, and VisitUkraine, and EU regulatory documents related to labor standards. Results. It has been established that modern HR management in the hospitality sector is evolving from an administrative to a strategic model, where personnel are viewed as the primary resource for enterprise development. The leading trends include HR digitalization, flexible employment forms, the development of soft skills, gamified learning, employer branding, and a focus on sustainable growth. The mechanisms of HR strategy implementation are substantiated, highlighting digital transformation, systematic training, employee motivation, process optimization through outsourcing, and service quality control as key tools. The study shows that the war in Ukraine has intensified anti-crisis HR practices–business relocation, employee retraining, and psychological support for staff. The European integration process is identified as a driver for aligning Ukrainian HR practices with EU standards of decent work, inclusivity, and continuous professional development. Conclusions. It has been proven that effective human resource management is a strategic instrument for restoring the hospitality industry in the post-war period. The development of human capital, digital modernization of HRM, and adoption of European standards should become priorities for both national policy and corporate strategies. Keywords: human resource management, HRM, hospitality industry, digitalization, motivation, outsourcing, European integration, human capital.