Nearly all hotels are experiencing staffing shortages, according to a new survey conducted in September by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, based in Washington, D.C.
Eighty-seven percent of survey respondents indicated they are experiencing a staffing shortage, and 36 percent severely so. The most critical staffing need is housekeeping, with 43 percent ranking it as their biggest challenge.
The situation has been improving since May however, when 97 percent of respondents said they were short staffed and 49 percent severely so.
We've rounded up articles from SHRM Online and other trusted outlets on the news.
Higher Wages, More Flexibility
Hotels are offering potential hires a host of incentives to fill vacancies—81 percent have increased wages, 64 percent are offering greater flexibility with hours and 35 percent have expanded benefits. Respondents are trying to fill an average of 10 positions per property, down from 12 vacancies in May.
(American Hotel & Lodging Association)
Climbing Out of a Hole
Hospitality has been a leading sector in the pandemic-era jobs recovery, primarily because of the tremendous number of job losses suffered early in the health crisis. As of August, hotel employment was still down by nearly 400,000 jobs compared to February 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Employers React to 'Confusing' Labor Market
Companies are pursuing a range of strategies—from layoffs to hiring surges—illustrating the paradoxical nature of the current labor market. Experts recommend resetting talent acquisition strategy and focusing on growth.
Hiring Was Tough During Boom Times Too
Staffing the nation's hotels, motels and resorts was challenging even before the pandemic, as hospitality employers had to navigate a negative-perception problem, high turnover, competition from the gig economy and the sector's explosive building growth.
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