Promoting Workplace Equity & Worker Satisfaction in Los Angeles Restaurants
In 2021, the restaurant industry made up 5% of the United States labor force, with an estimated 9 million workers. Restaurant workers earn considerably lower wages than demographically similar workers in other industries, and are much less likely to receive benefits such as health care and paid time off. Women, immigrants, individuals without bachelor’s degrees, people of color, and young workers are also overrepresented in this industry. Notably, worker turnover in the industry has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using Los Angeles County as a case study, this project aimed to identify policies and practices to improve workplace equity and increase job satisfaction for restaurant workers across Los Angeles, while still maintaining restaurants’ financial stability.
