Flexibility in the service industry has always been important in this ever-evolving and demanding industry. But as we progress through 2024, it’s becoming more and more evident that staffing flexibility is taking center stage – especially in a post-pandemic world.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, job openings in the Food Service and Accommodations sector continue to decline since the height of August 2021. Numbers are now more in line with levels from 2018 to 2019. There are still a lot of jobs to fill, though, especially in the hotel and restaurant industry, even when faced with a more challenging environment in the wake of COVID-19.
This places a strain on hiring managers who are still struggling to find the right staffing solutions that work for their unique circumstances. Let’s take a look at why staffing flexibility will be so important as we finish out the year.
Frontline Employees Want More Flexibility
Understanding what applicants and existing staff really want: this is the burden placed on employers and hiring managers. It’s becoming more apparent that “flexibility” is what people really want. However, this is a tricky concept in the hospitality field, where remote or hybrid work just isn’t feasible like it is in other industries.
Because workers in the hospitality field are considered frontline, they have to show up on site to perform their jobs. What kind of flexible work arrangements could meet their needs to adaptability? Well, according to a recent Gallup poll, the “when” is more important than the “where.”
To that end, they want more choices in terms of which days in the week they will work, as well as increased paid time off or vacation time. They would also like to see a four-day work week comprised of four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days.
Employers would be wise to keep these wishes in mind when designing dynamic work flows that will not only attract but retain valuable employees, says The Staffing Stream.
Flexible Arrangements, Positive Work Environments
On top of flexibility in scheduling, employees in the hospitality sector have made it clear that they want a positive work culture where they can be heard, advance, and feel supported.
While flexible work arrangements bring practical benefits to employees, who can spend more time with their families, they also pose the benefit of improving their work-life balance. Not only does this reduce stress levels, it can boost productivity as well.
Closely related to that is the assurance of a positive work environment. According to a LinkedIn study, 60 percent of job seekers place a high value on a positive work environment even more so than a salary increase. To that end, a strong company culture has been found to improve work performance as well as retention rates.
You can do this by keeping employees engaged while ensuring strong communication channels, whereby employees feel supported and are given opportunities to share ideas. When you make your workers feel like an important piece of the puzzle, they become more motivated to do good work and remain loyal to your company.
Rewards and Incentives
Rewards and incentives also play a role here. Acknowledgement of your best workers through rewards and incentives illustrates the value they hold to you while motivating them to continue to do good work. This shows employees that when they work hard and stay committed to the job, they are rewarded for that hard work and loyalty. It’s a wonderful cycle to be caught up in!
From regular check-ins to hear concerns to employee recognition programs, shining a spotlight on top-performing employees boosts team morale and productivity all around.
Educational Opportunities
Adaptability is closely related to flexibility. Training and development programs help employees adapt to new ways of thinking and working, improving workforce morale and retention rates. A study appearing in Forbes says 76 percent of employees would be more likely to join and stay with a company offering training and education opportunities.
From fostering frontline engagement and flexible hours to offering recognition for hard work and educational opportunities, there are many parts to the staffing success formula.
Contact Tumi Hospitality to Request Staff Today
Tumi Hospitality holds the key to your staffing flexibility success throughout the rest of 2024. To learn how we can help, call us at (512) 722-6000 or fill out our online form. Turn to Tumi to optimize staffing solutions for your hotel, restaurant, or event in an effort to reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and increase customer satisfaction.