The hospitality industry continues to navigate the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many hotels, timeshares, and restaurants have struggled to regain staffing levels after widespread closures forced a mass exodus of workers from the industry. Today, the battle to attract and retain talent is compounded by rising wages and inflationary pressures that are squeezing profit margins.
Workforce Challenges and Rising Wages
A 2023 American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) survey found that 82% of lodging leaders reported being understaffed. While hiring new workers is a pressing issue, the more significant challenge is retaining existing employees. Attrition rates remain high, and labor costs have skyrocketed. Since before the pandemic, wages for housekeepers alone have increased by nearly 50%, and similar wage demands are impacting other roles such as front desk staff and restaurant workers.
The industry’s inability to stabilize staffing levels has created operational challenges. Many properties have had to adjust services, scale back offerings, or increase prices to offset rising costs. Meanwhile, labor shortages mean that hotels and restaurants must find innovative ways to attract employees and keep them engaged.
Return to Daily Housekeeping Services
During and after the pandemic, many hotels suspended daily housekeeping services, a shift that was widely accepted at the time. Some brands even incentivized guests to opt out of daily cleaning by offering loyalty program points. However, as guest expectations shift back to pre-pandemic norms, major hotel brands are reinstating daily housekeeping services.
Reintroducing these services presents an additional challenge for hotel operators already struggling with labor shortages. While guests welcome the return of daily cleaning, it adds pressure on hotels to maintain adequate staffing levels. As a result, some properties are adjusting workflows and seeking operational efficiencies to balance the increase in labor demands with budget constraints.
Adapting to Changing Workforce Expectations
With labor shortages and rising wages, lodging operators are exploring new strategies to create a more appealing work environment. One approach is introducing greater flexibility for line-level employees, allowing them to better balance work with family commitments. Flexible scheduling has become a major selling point for potential hires who seek work-life balance.
Cross-training has also gained traction as a strategy to enhance job satisfaction and improve staffing flexibility. Employees who can work in multiple departments—such as housekeeping, front desk, and maintenance—gain a broader skill set and a sense of job enrichment. Cross-training also allows hotels to shift workers between roles as demand fluctuates, improving overall efficiency.
Promoting Career Advancement in Hospitality
One of the best ways to attract new talent is to highlight the career advancement opportunities available within the hospitality industry. Many successful leaders in hospitality started in entry-level positions and worked their way up through dedication and hands-on experience.
By promoting these success stories, hotels and restaurants can appeal to job seekers who may not have previously considered a career in hospitality. Encouraging internal promotions and professional development opportunities boosts employee morale and demonstrates a clear path for career progression. This, in turn, helps with retention by showing employees they can build a stable and rewarding future in the industry.
Navigating the Future
The hospitality industry has always been resilient, adapting to economic fluctuations, technological advancements, and shifts in consumer expectations. While current workforce challenges present hurdles, they also create opportunities for innovation and change. Hotels, timeshares, and restaurants that invest in flexible work environments, cross-training, and career development programs will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent.
As the industry continues to evolve, businesses that embrace these trends will have the competitive advantage needed to maintain high service standards while keeping operational costs in check. The future of hospitality remains bright, but success will require forward-thinking leadership and a commitment to building a strong, motivated workforce.
Joe Sebestyen brings over 25 years of hotel experience with Marriott International, where he was responsible for driving revenue growth, achieving profitability goals, developing staff, and ensuring exceptional service quality. As the Board President of two timeshare associations, he has gained valuable expertise in the development, sales, and operations of timeshare resorts. Currently, Joe serves as the Director of Development for Limpidus US.
For over 40 years, Limpidus Housekeeping Services has been a trusted partner for over 5,000 client properties hotels and resorts, delivering tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of maintaining cleanliness, boosting efficiency, and integrating technology to elevate the guest experience. We help your property stay ahead of evolving guest expectations while optimizing housekeeping operations for seamless, cost-effective performance.
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Contact Joe Sebestyen (405) 269-3182 joe.sebestyen@limpidus.com
By Joe Sebestyen – Dev Director, Limpidus US
