Against a backdrop of high inflation, rising wages and summer travel, more hotel operators say they are struggling to find workers.
A new survey from the American Hotel & Lodging Association found 82% of U.S. hotel operators are experiencing staffing shortages, with 26% saying the problem has impacted their hotel’s ability to operate.
The most critical staffing need is housekeeping, the survey said, with 40% of respondents ranking it as their top hiring challenge. That was followed by front desk clerks (28%), maintenance workers (13%), culinary employees (13.1%) and general managers (8%).
The hiring malaise has prompted hotel operators to offer a variety of incentives to attract more workers.
Seventy-five percent of hotel operators surveyed said they’re increasing wages, while 64% are offering greater flexibility with hours and 36% are expanding benefits. But despite the perks, 87% say they’re still unable to fill all of their openings.
The problem is worse when a hotel’s overall staffing is already low as is the case at the 104-room Extended Stay America hotel in Stevenson Ranch.
“We’re slim on staffing … it’s rough,” said a manager who declined to give his name. When fully staffed, the hotel should have 13 employees, but they lack a housekeeper and a maintenance worker.
With more rooms coming online in the months ahead, the hiring impasse likely will intensify.
Recent figures from Atas Hospitality Group show Los Angeles County has the most hotels under construction...
The Dangote Group has denied claims that its President, Aliko Dangote, is at odds with Tony Elumelu, describing the report as false, malicious and baseless. In a statement signed by its Group Chie...