Innovative Strategies Employed by Hotels to Overcome Staffing Shortages
The hospitality industry is actively seeking solutions to the persistent challenge of staffing shortages, implementing a range of innovative strategies to attract and retain employees. Amidst an environment of competitive wages, incentive programs, and technological advancements, hotels are making concerted efforts to address the workforce gap that continues to affect the sector.
According to a survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), over two-thirds of hotels report ongoing difficulties in filling positions, despite improvements in employment levels since the spring of 2023. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlights that, as of December 2023, the leisure and hospitality sector experienced its strongest employment month since the onset of the pandemic in February 2020. However, the number of job vacancies still surpasses the pool of unemployed workers, indicating a gap that needs bridging.
Jan Freitag of CoStar Group points out that while revenue per available room (RevPAR) forecasts are positive, the industry is grappling with the dual challenge of increased expenses and a significant worker deficit. This situation is exacerbated by the sector’s growth in room count by over three percent since 2020, which has not been matched by a proportionate increase in staffing levels.
The pandemic has further complicated recruitment efforts, with many former hotel employees transitioning to different careers following widespread layoffs. Factors such as stressful work environments, lack of flexibility, limited growth opportunities, and insufficient recognition have hindered efforts to attract these workers back to the hospitality industry.
To combat these challenges, hoteliers are adopting several measures aimed at making the hospitality sector more appealing to potential and existing employees. This includes focusing on diversity initiatives, career development opportunities, and employee well-being programs, as highlighted by Choice Hotels International’s CEO, Pat Pacious, who emphasizes the importance of flexibility and employee-centric policies.
Moreover, Aimbridge Hospitality’s President, Mark Tamis, underlines the industry’s commitment to enhancing workplace conditions and offering additional benefits as key to attracting talent. Competitive compensation packages, rewards programs, and regular feedback sessions are among the strategies being employed to boost employee motivation and retention.
Technology also plays a vital role in addressing staffing shortages, with hotels leveraging digital tools to streamline operations and enhance guest experiences. Daniel Connolly of St. John Fisher University advocates for a balanced approach to technology adoption, emphasizing the importance of personalization and guest-centricity in service delivery.
As the hospitality industry navigates through these challenges, the focus on innovative recruitment and retention strategies, coupled with the strategic use of technology, is key to overcoming staffing shortages and ensuring the sector’s continued growth and success.