We face an unprecedented staff shortage in the hospitality industry, with too many jobs open and an insufficient amount of people to fill them. The reality is, it’s taking a toll on our companies. The lack of staff has resulted in customer service not being the same as it once was. Wait times are exponentially longer, and we are incapable of offering the same amount of services we once could.
One of the most noticeable changes I have seen is the decrease in daily hotel room cleanings. They have resorted to cutting back on housekeeping. There is a certain sense of luxury that comes with a daily cleaning by a housekeeper. If hotels are not offering daily cleanings, we lose one of the most essential things that allow us to compete with the new wave of hospitality in short-term rentals. While there is a shortage of housekeepers- this may be one of the most dangerous measures hotels are taking to pivot with staffing today.
I’ve also noticed reduced bar and kitchen hours, another value that allows us to compete with short-term rentals. Accommodating guests with great cocktails and cuisine is an experience that the hospitality industry has provided to customers for decades.
It’s imperative that we remain creative in how we staff our establishments to properly care for our guests’ needs. Sometimes this might mean that management must pitch in with turn-down service or pour a cocktail or two. It might mean we have to train current staff in multiple positions. The hospitality industry is not the only industry suffering with staffing shortages. We must remain agile and fluid, creating solutions rather than taking away from the guest experience.
