Reducing high staff turnover is one of the biggest challenges for employers in the hospitality industry. One of the key ingredients for success — whether you’re seeking a job or recruiting for one — is finding a role a person will genuinely love doing. This is the kind of job where someone wakes up each day excited to get to work. The vast majority of their time should be spent on tasks they feel privileged to carry out, gaining real satisfaction from their role every day. When this happens, it creates a ripple effect beyond work, spreading positivity to colleagues, customers, and loved ones. It may be easy to dismiss this as wishful thinking, but it isn’t — and here’s why.
The Alarming State of Employee Engagement in the UK
The 2025 Gallup “State of the Global Workplace” survey paints a worrying picture, especially in the United Kingdom. Only 10% of UK workers are fully engaged, far below the global average of 23%.
This disengagement affects more than productivity — it impacts wellbeing. If 90% of the workforce is dissatisfied, disinterested, or disengaged, it takes a toll on mental and physical health and spreads negativity to customers, suppliers, and colleagues, creating a cycle of uninspired, unproductive, and unhappy people.
The Economic Cost of Disengagement
The financial consequences are staggering. Gallup estimates that employee disengagement costs the UK £257 billion — funds that could otherwise support health, education, or business growth.
How iMA Helps Solve Workplace Problems
iMA addresses the root causes of employee disengagement, dissatisfaction, and disinterest. It recognises four distinct communication and behaviour styles — High Red, High Yellow, High Green, and High Blue — and helps align jobs with individuals’ natural strengths.
A Universal Language for Better Communication
Everyone speaks one of four iMA “dialects,” meaning only 25% of people are naturally on the same wavelength. iMA helps bridge the 75% who are on different wavelengths, improving communication, trust, cooperation, and performance, while reducing stress and tension.
Understanding the Four iMA Styles
iMA High Blues
Warm, supportive, and nurturing, High Blues build strong networks and excel at teamwork. They are persistent, courteous, detail-oriented, and reliable.
iMA High Greens
Analytical, systematic, and task-focused, High Greens enjoy problem-solving and improving processes. They research, assess risks, and take calculated action.
iMA High Reds
Goal-oriented and decisive, High Reds thrive when in charge. They are fast-paced, results-driven, and work effectively both independently and in leadership roles.
iMA High Yellows
Outgoing, high-energy, and enthusiastic, High Yellows excel at inspiring others. They are optimistic, influential, and skilled at building alliances to achieve goals.
What colour are you? Find out now at ima-ashleyboroda.com.
Matching People and Jobs with iMA
Jobs can be “colour-coded” too. Matching an individual’s iMA colour with a role ensures that natural talents align with responsibilities. People excel at jobs they enjoy and enjoy jobs they excel at — reducing turnover and boosting engagement.
Applying iMA to the Hospitality Sector
The hospitality industry is crucial to the UK economy but struggles with high staff turnover. iMA helps match employees to roles that fit their strengths.
Front of House Roles: High Blues and High Yellows
High Blues and High Yellows thrive in customer-facing roles, gaining satisfaction from constant interaction with guests and colleagues. Misplacing them in task-led roles leads to frustration and burnout, contributing to turnover.
High Yellows are assertive self-starters, while High Blues are detail-oriented completer-finishers. Even within front-of-house positions, roles should be tailored to these differences.
Back of House Roles: High Reds and High Greens
High Reds and High Greens excel in task-led, back-of-house roles that require focus rather than constant guest interaction. Matching them to suitable roles allows them to thrive, increasing efficiency and reducing stress.
The Benefits for Employees and Employers
For Employees:
- Work in roles they love
- Experience greater job satisfaction
- Gain career focus instead of constantly changing employers
- Enjoy better mental and physical health
For Employers:
- Fully engaged, high-performing teams
- Higher customer satisfaction
- Lower staff turnover
- Stronger reputation and healthier profits
Reducing Staff Turnover in Hospitality
The cost of hire and rehire is undermining the hospitality industry and the wider economy. iMA addresses this by:
- Matching people to roles where they can thrive
- Increasing customer satisfaction while decreasing turnover
- Helping managers understand both employees and guests
- Reducing stress and creating a positive workplace culture
Why iMA Works Without Disruption
Unlike many modern initiatives, iMA is non-disruptive. Digital technology solutions often cause short- and long-term disruption, but iMA enhances existing workflows, making everyone more understanding, engaged, and productive.
Building a Stronger, Happier Hospitality Workforce
Continuing the same path with high staff turnover impacts customer experience, increases hiring costs, and reduces profits. Using iMA to match the right people to the right jobs transforms the workforce, impresses guests, and strengthens the bottom line.
Ready to Transform Your Team?
If you want to reduce staff turnover, boost customer satisfaction, and create a happier, more productive hospitality workforce, iMA can help.
👉 Discover your iMA colour today at ima-ashleyboroda.com or contact Ashley Boroda to find out how iMA can help your business thrive.
