The global landscape has been sprinkled with industries complaining of staffing shortages, but our lovely hotels seem to be bearing a sizeable chunk of this burden. You know the drill – pandemic-induced layoffs, resurgence of travel, and an ongoing scramble to hire staff. Let’s unravel this conundrum, shall we?
The Great Revenge Tour: Ah, the itch to travel post-lockdown! Dubbed “revenge travel” by the New York Post, it’s the phenomenon of people trying to make up for lost time. And just to throw some digits at you: 57% of 2,000 Americans ventured on a monumental trip in 2022, while a whopping 80% are yearning for that vacation glow in 2023. Now, what’s a hotel to do?
Labor Shortage and Hotels – A Mystery?
Well, not exactly a mystery, but more of a challenging puzzle. The hotel industry, with its luxurious lobbies and gleaming chandeliers, has a not-so-glamorous underbelly, one that’s been especially exposed in the post-pandemic world. COVID-19 was not just a health crisis but a catalyst that unraveled a myriad of workforce issues in the hospitality sector.
Firstly, job cuts hit hard. The uncertain climate led to many establishments making the tough call to reduce staff. Then there’s the issue of wages. While some sectors saw inflation, wages in the hospitality industry often lagged, making the prospects less appealing for potential employees.
Benefits, or more aptly, the lack thereof, became another roadblock. With many not seeing health benefits or job security, the hospitality industry struggled to attract the talent pool. Additionally, limited avenues for career advancement meant that even those who entered the fray found little motivation to stay for the long haul.
Combine these factors, and we’re looking at a perfect storm of staffing shortages, which unfortunately coincided with the public’s growing urge to travel and seek hotel services. So, while the absence of adequate staff might seem bewildering given the industry’s appeal, scratch beneath the surface, and the reasons become all too clear. The question remains: How do we solve a problem that’s both deep-rooted and multifaceted?
The Tech Savior
Enter technology, the knight in shining (and sometimes digital) armor. With hotel owners nodding in agreement, tech has been their lifeboat in these turbulent times. By sprinkling some automation magic, hotels now ensure stellar service even with a skeletal crew. So yes, automate the humdrum tasks, and let humans focus on, well, being human.
The Tech Toolbox to Combat Shortages
As we venture into the heart of the matter, let’s consider the analogy of a carpenter’s toolbox. Just as a carpenter relies on a set of specific tools to craft, shape, and mend, the hotel industry has its toolkit filled with technological marvels designed to tackle the labor crisis. Each tool or technology, whether it’s about efficient guest management or streamlining payments, serves a distinct purpose to enhance service while optimizing resources. So, tighten your seatbelt as we dive deep into this tech toolbox, exploring each gadget and gizmo that’s reshaping the hospitality horizon.
Guest Management Systems (GMSs)
Guesting Just Went Digital!
The GMS is akin to a digital butler, overseeing the entire guest experience from start to finish. It’s not just about check-ins and check-outs anymore. The system allows hotels to offer timely upgrades and amenities. With guests no longer needing to visit the front desk thanks to contactless processes, staff can optimize their focus. Moreover, with direct guest-to-staff communication features, those endless front desk calls can be reduced, allowing personnel to dedicate more time to in-person interactions.
Staff Scheduling
Syncing Time and Efficiency!
Ever seen a juggler at the circus? Hotel managers are like that, but instead of balls, they’re juggling schedules, labor laws, and cost efficiencies. Automated scheduling tools are the game-changers here. They allow for the swift creation of schedules, factoring in the myriad considerations that come with managing a diverse workforce. With fewer human errors and oversights, the system ensures everyone is at the right place at the right time.
Payments
Swift, Smooth, and Safe!
The age of fumbling for cash or waiting for card approvals is dwindling fast. With contactless payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet, the payment process has been streamlined like never before. It’s faster, cleaner, and offers guests a hassle-free experience. For the hotel, it means quicker turnovers, reduced wait times, and enhanced guest satisfaction.
Robo-Helpers
Meet The Futuristic Footmen!
If you thought robots were confined to sci-fi movies, think again! Today’s hotels are introducing robots to enhance the guest experience. From delivering room service to ensuring every bathroom sparkles, these mechanical marvels are changing the face of hospitality. And let’s not forget the safety factor. In the ongoing pandemic scenario, robots ensure reduced human contact without compromising on service quality.
Digital Tipping
Appreciation at a Click!
When it comes to retaining staff, ensuring they feel valued is paramount. The introduction of digital tipping means guests can now show their appreciation with ease and immediacy. Does a staff member go the extra mile? A guest can instantly reward them through their mobile device. The beauty of this is twofold: staff feel directly recognized and rewarded, and for guests, it adds an element of convenience.
Keep ‘Em Happy and They’ll Stay
Paying your staff well isn’t just good ethics, it’s good business. A Canary Technologies survey highlighted low pay as the chief villain driving away hotel staff. But hey, there’s a silver lining – the rise of digital tipping! And here’s a spicy stat: nearly 80% of staff would stick around if those electronic tips kept coming.
If you are interested in these amenities you can check out HelloShift as they offer many of these services.
Last Nuggets of Wisdom
Technology doesn’t just woo and retain staff; it’s the genie that could jack up sales and keep labor costs in check. Picture this: A guest, enjoying a cocktail, suddenly craves calamari. With digital menus, that craving becomes an order without waiting for the busy bartender’s attention. The result? A fattened bill and a satisfied guest.
As hotels bob along these choppy waters, filled with eager travelers and fewer hands on deck, tech isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. The labor landscape has shifted, and those embracing the winds of technological change might just find their oasis amidst the staffing desert. Here’s to hotels flourishing and staying on top of their game in this new era!
