One of the biggest challenges a hospitality organization can face is being unprepared for a tourism boom. Lacking sufficient staff and resources to accommodate guests can lead to dissatisfaction and lost revenue opportunities. Here are helpful strategies for hospitality sector managers to deal with staff shortages as tourism increases.
Replacing Lost Workers
During the pandemic the hospitality sector implemented major layoffs due to reduced travel demand. On top of that, the “great resignation” severely impacted hotels and catering services that didn’t offer a stress-free and flexible work environment. Workers also resigned if they lacked sufficient pay and benefits to meet personal needs.
Many hotels find themselves short-staffed due to workers having increased employment opportunities to explore. Some hotel managers have responded to the labor shortage by wearing different hats to take on more responsibilities. Others have shortened business hours or resorted to outsourcing temporary help.
Hospitality managers should consider tapping into the pool of Ukrainian refugees fleeing to America. It will help establish a new life for them while the business nurtures new talent and resolves staffing issues. It’s important to remember, though, that hospitality jobs should offer a degree of flexibility so that team members can enjoy a work-life balance.
Hotels and catering services must view workers as vital to productivity and brand image. That’s why training and regular engagement with employees is more important than ever before. It’s essential for managers to know the goals of employees, which will help forecast labor challenges of the future.
Some individuals want to work up to management positions, while other workers view a hospitality job as short-term work. Offering competitive pay with benefits increases your chances of retaining your most productive employees.
Getting Help from Digital Solutions
Digital technology cannot replace all hospitality workers, but it can fill in some labor gaps to help the business maintain sustainability. Digital payment and ordering or checkout systems, for example, can take pressure off the front desk and restaurant personnel. If you decide to add new digital technology to your establishment, you’ll need to train your staff on how to use it.
A big challenge for hospitality organizations is coming up with the funding to invest in digital technology. Many budgets are already tight due to renovation and low revenue during the pandemic period. However, if your business has the resources to purchase digital solutions, it will make your operation more resilient and less reliant on staff members. Furthermore, automated solutions can reduce redundant tasks and speed up business activity.
When you invest in the transformation to digital cloud-based infrastructure, you will be prepared for the next health crisis. Some of the most innovative solutions are voice-activated robots and touchless technology.
Final Thoughts
As the post-pandemic world returns to norms, the tourism industry looks to pick up. Part of hotel sustainability now involves maintaining sufficient staffing, which requires attracting long-term talent. Staff shortages partly relate to whether the employer offers fair compensation and a flexible workplace that supports wellbeing. Contact the team here at the California Lodging Investment Conference
