Abstract:

This study investigated the effect of human capital development on employee productivity in selected 5-star and 4-star hotels in South-South Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the impact of employee training, career planning, and employee well-being on productivity. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from a sample of 251 managerial and operational staff using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize respondent characteristics, while regression analysis was employed to determine the strength and significance of the relationships between human capital development variables and employee productivity. The findings revealed that all three dimensions of human capital development positively and significantly affect employee productivity, with career planning exerting the strongest effect. The study concludes that investing in structured career development initiatives is essential for enhancing productivity in the hotel industry. It was recommended amongst others that companies should invest in employee wellness programs that address physical, mental, and emotional health, such as counseling services, fitness initiatives, and stress management workshops.