Regardless of industry, most executives would agree that training and development is essential for a healthy workforce and successful organization. However, employees don’t always feel the same way. According to a recent study, one sect in particular is still struggling to see the value in training. According to a Pew Research Center study, only 47 percent of U.S. hospitality employees view formal education and professional development training essential to their careers. This means that more than half of these employees believe training is somewhat important but not essential, or not important at all. There is a clear disconnect in the industry regarding employers attitudes toward professional development and training and their employees. This may be a contributing factor in the widening talent gap within the hospitality industry. The United States, as well as the United Kingdom, France, and China, all face losing billions of dollars and millions of travel industry jobs over the next decade because the workforce lacks the requisite skills to best serve guests and grow businesses, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.