Staffing Trends
The State of the Hospitality Shortage
The hospitality industry is still feeling the strain of a labor shortage that began during the pandemic and shows no signs of slowing. Hotels, restaurants, and event venues are working hard to recruit, yet many remain understaffed and struggling to meet rising guest demand.
In this post, we'll explore why filling hospitality roles has become so difficult, the main factors driving the shortage, and how employers can adapt with smart staffing strategies.
Why is There a Hospitality Staffing Shortage?
Even as travel and leisure rebound, staffing remains one of the biggest challenges for hospitality leaders. According to a recent survey by Hireology, 91% of hospitality leaders report that hiring remains difficult, with housekeepers being the hardest role to fill. A mix of workforce expectations, economic realities, and industry reputation has made recruitment and retention harder than ever. Here are the main factors driving today’s shortage:
Hotels are expected to add more than 14,000 direct employee's in 2025.
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Job Seekers Are More Selective
Today’s hospitality job seekers are not applying everywhere and taking the first offer. Instead, they’re becoming more selective about where they work. A recent survey found that while nearly 60% of candidates apply widely, one-third apply only to carefully chosen opportunities. Pay is still the top priority for many workers, but schedule flexibility and career growth also carry significant weight.
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Stressful Work Environments
Hospitality roles are often high-pressure, with long shifts, demanding guests, and unpredictable workloads. Since the pandemic, these stressors have only grown. A study by the National Library of Medicine found that interpersonal conflicts and being overloaded with tasks — sometimes due to outdated or faulty equipment — are major reasons workers leave the industry or avoid it altogether.
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Lack of Flexibility
Around-the-clock service may be great for guests, but it can take a toll on staff. Hospitality jobs often involve late nights, early mornings, or rigid shifts that don’t allow for work-life balance. In fact, a survey by Harri Resource Center and CGA revealed that 54% of hotel and restaurant workers cite unsociable hours as a major reason for staffing shortages.
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Wage Pressure & Cost of Living
Even as wages rise, they often don’t keep pace with inflation and rising living costs. That makes hospitality jobs less competitive compared to other industries, such as warehousing or logistics, where workers may find steadier pay and hours.
How The Hospitality Industry is Adapting to Change
Facing a tighter labor market, hospitality employers are finding new ways to attract and retain staff. Here are four strategies gaining traction:
Attract Candidates Who Are Choosing Carefully
Job seekers today are more selective, weighing factors like competitive pay, schedule flexibility, and fulfilling work before committing. Hotels and restaurants that clearly communicate these benefits in job postings, career pages, and interviews are more likely to capture top talent.
Use Technology To Reach Talent Faster
Digital tools — like mobile applications and automated texting — make it easier to connect with potential employees quickly. Technology simplifies the application process, allows rapid communication, and helps manage seasonal staffing needs more efficiently. Plus more than half (53%) of hospitality job seekers reported using their smartphones during the job search.
Hire Before Competitors Do
Speed in hiring is critical. Delays in reviewing applications, scheduling interviews, or extending offers can cause employers to lose candidates to faster-moving competitors. Streamlining these processes helps ensure you secure the best workers before they accept another position.
Leverage Staffing Partners for On-Demand Support
Even with strong internal practices, staffing challenges can arise from seasonal peaks, unexpected vacancies, or turnover. Partnering with a staffing company like Labor Finders provides access to pre-screened, reliable associates in housekeeping, food service, event staffing, and more. This allows employers to fill gaps quickly and focus on delivering excellent guest experiences rather than juggling recruitment.
