Hotels face a lot of challenges on any given day and in any given season but perhaps the biggest one across the board is the challenge of staffing concerns. In fact, according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, 76 percent of surveyed hotels report staffing shortages, necessitating the need to offer higher salaries, better benefits, and more perks to entice and retain employees.
That same study shows that 13% percent of respondents reported being severely understaffed, which then greatly impacts their hotel’s ability to operate. The most critical staffing need? Housekeeping, with 50 percent ranking it as their most urgent hiring need.
It’s no secret that the dynamic, fast-paced and ever evolving nature of the hotel industry requires a skilled and dedicated workforce. However, the problem lies in the difficulty to attract, manage, and retain qualified employees on a consistent basis. As a hotel manager in Austin TX, it’s important to explore the most effective and efficient solutions to address these challenges, enhance guest satisfaction, and ensure seamless operations.
5 Most Common Hotel Staffing Challenges
Staffing challenges have a ripple effect throughout the hospitality industry, impacting everything from guest satisfaction to operations to overall business performance.
1. Seasonal Variations
Seasonal changes bring fluctuations in demand, which can pose a strain on staff during peak periods. Balancing staffing levels between peak and off-peak periods can be quite the roller coaster ride for managers, hindering the hotel’s ability to adequately meet demands without sacrificing standards of service.
2. High Turnover Rates
Staff turnover in the hotel industry is nothing new, but it does cause a lot of disruptions and increases costs. Everything from demanding work hours to lack of career growth opportunities can translate to high turnover rates. Those rates then have a domino effect resulting in instability, disruption of service quality, and finally, lower guest satisfaction and loyalty. To address those gaps, financial strain can then arise due to higher recruitment costs, more intensive training sessions, and operational inefficiencies.
3. Skill Shortages
Specialized areas such as housekeeping, culinary services, and front desk management in particular face continuous skilled personnel staffing challenges. It takes a lot of time and effort to search for qualified candidates whose vision aligns with the hotel’s, resulting in an extensive screening processes that drains time and resources. In a busy hotel, time is the last thing you have!
4. Employee Morale and Engagement
A disengaged workforce eroded by staffing issues can dampen team morale, resulting in decreased productivity. An engaged workforce, on the other hand, will lead to a positive work environment that ensures a top-notch guest experience. In short, when your employees are happy and not stressed, that positivity will radiate outward and affect how they perform their jobs.
Unfortunately, low employee morale is evident throughout the hotel industry when there are staffing issues present, which can ding your reputation and lower your competitive hold in the market. It’s vital, therefore, to sustain a positive brand image in order to experience long-term success.
5. Employee Training and Development
Yes, it costs extra money to invest in regular training and development programs, but if your goal is to ensure service excellence, this investment is crucial. Customized training initiatives can help your employees stay updated on current trends, hone their expertise, and better understand customer needs. Ultimately, you want employees who are competent, adaptable, and capable of flexing with an ever-changing industry.
Solving Staffing Shortages: Here’s What to Do
From setting priorities to enhancing employee benefits, here are some strategies to employ if you want to address your hotel staffing shortages.
Identify Problem Areas and Set Priorities
First, pinpoint the most critical problem areas within your organization that impact guest satisfaction. Next, come up with a numbered list of which ones will be tackled first all the way down to last.
Be Strategic in Your Advertising
Many hotels advertise online these days, using job boards and social media. Align each position with the best and most effective channels on which to post openings so you know you’re reaching the right people. Include a job description, of course, but also spell out the benefits and unique advantages of working in your hotel.
Adopt Flexible Staffing Models
To integrate flexible staffing models, there are a few things you can do. You can cross-train employees in multiple roles or you can stock your staff with part-time and seasonal workers in peak seasons. This not only helps you more efficiently manage costs, but it also maintains consistent service levels.
Heighten Employee Benefits and Career Growth Opportunities
No one wants to feel like they’re stuck in a job that goes nowhere. To attract and keep top talent, you would be wise to offer competitive compensation packages, ongoing training programs, and career advancement opportunities to inspire motivation.
Prioritize Employee Well-Being
To lower employee stress levels, do your part to promote a healthy work-life balance through the implementation of wellness initiatives and support systems while rewarding exceptional performance.
Contact Tumi Hospitality Today
Tumi Hospitality understands the unique nature of your hotel staffing challenges, which is why we present to you only the best food and beverage, banquet, reception, maintenance, and overnight kitchen workers to match your needs. Learn more when you call us at (512) 722-6000, or you can request staff online.