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Youth Hostels Association
The Youth Hostels Association is a charity. They provide youth hostel accommodation.
About Youth Hostels Association, in their own words:
Help us make a difference. YHA is a leading UK charity for young people. We transform young lives forever through travel and real adventure. Whatever role you do with YHA and wherever you are based, you’ll make a positive difference to the lives of young people who need our support.
Working for a social enterprise is so rewarding. Not only are you contributing to fantastic customer service experience, but you are also contributing to the wider good of our charitable objectives. Whether your role is directly involved in the delivery of activities to young people, supporting the departmental functions or delivering great customer experiences within your hostel – you will be giving something back to this amazing charity.
Many of our staff say that working for YHA is a lifestyle choice. If you are working in our hostels then you will be living and working in some amazing locations in England and Wales, thus giving you access to the great outdoors on your doorstep. On days off, our teams will often access nature, take up an outdoor activity or travel to other hostels to use their free staff stays to explore somewhere new.
Our support function roles often offer flexibility to work remotely or on a hybrid model, so mainly working from home with meetings, visits to hostels and visits to National Office only when needed. Many of our roles can offer flexibility too to accommodate commitments outside of work.
The best things about working at Youth Hostels Association
- 76% say they have respectful managers
- 73% say their managers don’t change their shifts at short notice
- 68% say they enjoy their job
Featured by Youth Hostels Association, based on 89 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz
What Youth Hostels Association says
Perks of working at Youth Hostels Association from Youth Hostels Association
- 💸 Pay displayed on adverts applies to all (including those under the age of 21)
- ️☎️ 24/7 employee assistance programme
- ☀️ 10 Free Hostel stays for you and up to 3 guests
- 😍 Perkbox cashback, discounts & wellbeing
Diversity and inclusion statement from Youth Hostels Association
We welcome applications from everyone, celebrate our differences, and know it’s important that our teams represent the communities they serve. We are excited for our future and pleased at the steps we have taken so far, though recognise that we have a way to go.
We work hard at YHA to ensure that we have a diverse workforce in pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion. But having a diverse workforce is not enough. We want to create an inclusive environment, where everyone can give their best and develop to their full potential.
As part of our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity, some of the actions we have taken are:
- Embedding the HEART values into everything we do including our recruitment processes
- Investing in new recruitment approaches to attract a diverse range of candidates
- Using internal diversity data to monitor outcomes
- Providing development opportunities through partnerships for those struggling to gain work, get back into work or find their first role
- Regularly reviewing remote/hybrid roles to create more opportunities – providing equipment, support and training to make this to happen
- Working with industry organisations to improve the support we provide through memberships such as Inclusive Employers
- Running bi-annual staff surveys that allow all employees to tell us how they feel we are progressing towards our EDI goals
- Involving stakeholders from all departments in EDI working parties
- Celebrating national diversity dates
- Valuing lived experiences and always striving to learn more about how we can improve the inclusivity of our working environments
- Running projects like Outdoor Citizens to support local communities
- Securing funding to continue our EDI journey, to provide training and resources to inform and support our employees and volunteers
- Continuously researching information and tools to improve the accessibility of our workplaces, training and development for all
Company values from Youth Hostels Association
Everyone who works at YHA – permanent employees, seasonal workers and volunteers — enables us to transform young lives through travel and real adventure.
YHA is made up of brilliant, passionate people whose investment in the organisation helps shape our direction of travel. And it’s not always about the qualifications or job experience. We value ‘lived experience’ here at YHA as well and offer detailed inductions and on-the-job training to develop our teams to be the best they can be.
Our people are recognised for their commitment to our values. Our HEART values are woven throughout the organisation.
At YHA, we want to create an inclusive environment, where everyone can give their best and develop to their full potential.
HELPFUL
Helpfulness is about making life easier for other people, being hospitable and creating a pleasant working environment.
EFFICIENT
Being efficient means being organised, thoughtful in decision-making, hardworking and committed to improvement. As a charity, it’s our duty to make best use of our resources.
AUTHENTIC
Being authentic combines the qualities of honesty, trustworthiness, and transparency. It’s about being genuine and straightforward.
RESPECTFUL
Respect is about valuing the time, energy, opinions, achievements and working styles of colleagues, volunteers, and supporters. It’s about promoting equality and inclusivity.
TEAM-SPIRITED
YHA is one team. And for the health and success of the team, we take individual responsibility, show personal leadership qualities, and collaborate towards our goals.
Featured roles from Youth Hostels Association
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Seasonal Team Member
Customer service, housekeeping, food prep
Join YHA and help create unforgettable stays. As a Team Member, you’ll welcome guests, serve great food, keep spaces sparkling, and bring energy to a friendly, mission‑driven team. Every day is different, fun, and full of chances to learn, grow, and make a real impact.
What Youth Hostels Association employees say
89 Youth Hostels Association employees have taken the Breakroom Quiz and told us what it's really like to work there. Here's everything they have told us:
Breakroom Rating for Youth Hostels Association
Pay
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Okay
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Only some people are paid a living wage
Do Youth Hostels Association pay a living wage?
Some people are not paid a living wage.
How we know this
42% of people say they are paid below the Real Living Wage for where they live.Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone should be paid enough to live on.
The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.
The current rates are £13.45 per hour, and £14.80 per hour in London.
Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.
Good
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Most people are paid market rates
Do Youth Hostels Association pay market rates?
Most people are paid above average for their job.
How we know this
68% of people are paid above average for the type of work they do.Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2025.
Why this matters
Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.
Needs improving
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Most people don’t get paid breaks
Do workers at Youth Hostels Association get paid breaks?
No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.
How we know this
92% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should have paid breaks.
You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.
Okay
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Only some people get sick pay
Do Youth Hostels Association pay sick pay?
Sometimes. Only some people get proper sick pay.
How we know this
35% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.
At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.
This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.
Good
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Most people don’t do unpaid extra work
Do workers at Youth Hostels Association do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.
How we know this
72% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.
Hours and flexibility
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Needs improving
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Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts
How much notice do people get of their shift pattern at Youth Hostels Association?
Most people don’t get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.
How we know this
- 45% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
- 26% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
- 10% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
- 19% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.
This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.
Good
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Most people don’t worry about their hours
Do workers at Youth Hostels Association worry about hours?
Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
How we know this
74% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.Based on data from 27 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.
A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.
This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.
Good
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Most people get a choice of shifts
Do Youth Hostels Association workers get to choose the shifts they work?
Most people get enough choice over which shifts they work.
How we know this
67% report that their manager gives them enough choice over which shifts they work.Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.
Okay
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Can be hard to change shifts
How easy is it for Youth Hostels Association workers to change shifts?
Some people find it hard to change shifts.
How we know this
37% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.Based on data from 27 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2025.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.
Good
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Easy to book holiday
How easy is it to book a holiday at Youth Hostels Association?
Most people find it easy to book holiday.
How we know this
75% of people report it’s easy to book holidays.Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.
Good
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Shifts don’t get changed at short notice
Do Youth Hostels Association managers change shifts at short notice?
Most managers don’t change people’s shifts at short notice.
How we know this
73% of people say their manager doesn’t changes their shifts at the last minute.Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.
Good
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Most people find it easy to take sick leave
How easy is it to take sick leave at Youth Hostels Association?
Most people find it easy to take sick leave.
How we know this
78% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.
A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.
Needs improving
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People regularly work above their contracted hours
Most people work more hours than their contract.
How we know this
81% of people work more hours than they are contracted to.Based on data from 26 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Workplace
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Good
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Most people feel treated with respect
Do people at Youth Hostels Association feel treated with respect by their managers?
Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
How we know this
76% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.Based on data from 37 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.
Okay
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Only some people get proper breaks
Do people at Youth Hostels Association get proper breaks?
Some people don’t get proper breaks.
How we know this
46% of people report that they don’t get to take proper breaks.Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.
Needs improving
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Most people are stressed
Is it stressful to work at Youth Hostels Association?
Most people feel stressed here.
How we know this
74% of people say they often feel stressed at work.Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.
Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.
Good
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Most people enjoy their job
Do people at Youth Hostels Association enjoy their jobs?
Most people enjoy their job.
How we know this
68% of people report they enjoy their job.Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2025.
Okay
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Only some people recommend their team
Do people at Youth Hostels Association recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
How we know this
48% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.Based on data from 40 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
A good job means enjoying the place where you work.
The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.
If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.
Okay
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Only some people get enough training
Do people get enough training when they start at Youth Hostels Association?
Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
How we know this
50% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.
This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.
It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.
Okay
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Only some people get support to progress
Are people given support to progress at Youth Hostels Association?
Only some people are given support to progress here.
How we know this
In the last year, 50% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.
This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.
Needs improving
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Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening
Do people think Youth Hostels Association head office understands what's happening where they work?
Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
How we know this
78% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.
To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.
Okay
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Only some people feel well informed by head office
Do workers feel well informed about how Youth Hostels Association is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
How we know this
34% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and December 2025.
Why this matters
At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.
You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.
Youth Hostels Association job reviews
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Best thing
The people I work with
Worst thing
Night shift
Employee at Youth Hostels Association, December 2025
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Best thing
Coworkers!!!
Worst thing
Shifts out too far in advance so difficult to book time off
Front of house at Youth Hostels Association, November 2023
More about charities
Youth Hostels Association ranks joint 134th to work for out of charities.
- 134= Severn Hospice
- 134= Youth Hostels Association
- 134= Adferiad
Rankings are based on Breakroom Ratings for employers with 5 or more Breakroom Quiz responses, accurate as of 18 May 2026.