The term “ghosting” is no longer reserved for the dating world. Ghosting – or disappearing without warning – has reached the restaurant world, as illustrated by a new survey by Click Boarding.
The survey revealed that more than half of hospitality workers admit to disappearing during the hiring process, making ghosting an increasingly costly issue across the restaurant sector. Additionally, Click Boarding found that 60% of ghosters did so after receiving a formal job offer.
“The cost of this turnover is very quantifiable, and it can be felt even more in hospitality, which is so revenue-driven,” said Adam Wachtel, Click Boarding’s CTO, in a statement.
Between 75% and 90% of a hiring investment is typically lost when a candidate ghosts at the most common stage identified in the survey: after an offer has been made but before the employee’s start date. Though figures vary between roles and industries, SHRM estimates an average cost-per-hire (CPH) is currently $5,475.
These days, 46% of those surveyed think ghosting is an accepted part of the hiring process.
“When (ghosting) happens after an offer has been made or accepted … it can mean restarting the hiring process, extending vacancy periods, and placing extra pressure on teams that are already stretched,” noted Christine Marino, Click Boarding’s chief strategy and transformation officer.
A couple of the other eye-opening figures revealed by the survey:
- 81% of respondents have ghosted an employer more than once
- 31% admit to ghosting after already accepting a job offer
The research was commissioned by Click Boarding and conducted by OnePoll last spring, surveying 2,000 Americans who had changed jobs in the past two years.
How Should I Prepare for a Job Interview?
Recruiting and retaining employees remains among the foodservice sector’s biggest challenges. Black Box Intelligence recently reported that non-management turnover in limited-service restaurants declined seven percentage points year-over-year in Q1 2026, but structural challenges remain.
Having job candidates flake on prospective employers certainly doesn’t help the situation. Fortunately for employers, there are ways to minimize the risk of getting ghosted by applicants.
“Ghosting is often less about the individual being irresponsible and more about disengagement occurring before the employment relationship ever truly begins,” Marino explained.
That sentiment is supported in the survey’s findings, in which 37% of hospitality and retail workers claim that slow or poor communication from an employer would make them more likely to walk away from a potential employer with no notice.
Other behaviors that can damage trust early in the hiring process, per survey findings:
- Unprofessional behavior or comments during interviews (46%)
- Feeling unwelcome (37%)
3 Key Tips for Job Interviewers
According to Click Boarding, a three-phase preboarding approach can reduce the risk of employee ghosting. That list of strategies includes the following:
- Portray excitement and give clear next steps for immediately after an offer is accepted
- Provide support to complete onboarding tasks
- Provide human connection before day 1 through introductions
Even small touchpoints can have a major impact when they feel intentional and personalized, Click Boarding noted. If anything, too much communication is better than no communication at all.
Marino concluded that “these findings actually reinforce something we consistently see across the market: candidates are far less likely to ghost when they feel respected.”
The Food Institute Podcast
Trends tend to come full circle, and that could not be more true for Coast Packing, which has recently seen renewed demand for its lard and tallow products amid rising consumer interest in natural ingredients. City National Bank’s Justin D’Affronte steps in as guest host to talk with Coast Packing CEO Eric Gustafson about his company’s family legacy and the business climate in California.
