Staff shortages cited as biggest challenge facing hospitality employees

Nearly half (45%) of hospitality workers are finding their employment less appealing than it was previously because of staff shortages, a survey has revealed

The study, entitled Transforming The Employee Experience In Hospitality, was conducted among a select group of frontline pub, restaurant and hotel workers by employee experience platform Harri and data consultancy CGA.

Some 58% of employees identified pandemic-induced industry staff shortages as the biggest challenge in hospitality, followed by unsociable hours (51%) and inexperienced staff (37%).

They said the reasons for current staff shortages included unsociable hours (cited by 54%), increased workload (49%) and pay not matching the job (47%).

As well as pointing out the problems, the survey indicated some possible solutions to these challenges, particularly surrounding better use of technology.

For example, 90% of survey respondents said that technology was needed to improve the workplace, which could involve digital clocking-in and out, smart scheduling and shift management.

A further 38% claimed that technology could play a bigger role in the workplace than it did before Covid.

Pete Willis, Harri’s commercial director for UK and EMEA, said: “Now is the time to repay employees; give them the right technology to elevate their employee experience and help them achieve the work-life balance they need through efficient shift management and payroll functionality.”

The study also showed that greater job flexibility and appreciation of staff led to higher job satisfaction overall.

Karl Chessell, CGA’s director, hospitality operators and food, EMEA, added: “This research provides fascinating intelligence about the attitudes of current and potential staff, and emphasises how Covid-19 has made them think much more about wellbeing, flexibility and long-term career paths.

“It’s abundantly clear that as hospitality builds back and battles some fierce headwinds, businesses that can deliver good experiences for their employees will have a huge advantage.”

Image: Nick Starichenko / Shutterstock