As the hospitality industry navigates its way through the challenges posed since the pandemic, a new survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) sheds light on the staffing shortages plaguing hotels across the nation. With more than two-thirds (67 per cent) of hotels still grappling with staffing shortages, hoteliers are stepping up their efforts by offering increased wages, greater flexibility, and a range of incentives to attract and retain talent.
According to the survey findings, a staggering 82 per cent of respondents have boosted wages over the last six months, reaching a record-high average for hotels in December 2023. In addition to higher pay, 59 per cent of hotels are providing greater flexibility with hours, while 33 per cent are expanding benefits. Despite these efforts, a significant 72 per cent of hotels report being unable to fill open positions, indicating the severity of the ongoing staffing crisis.
Housekeeping emerges as the most critical area of need, with 48 per cent of respondents ranking it as their top hiring priority. However, this challenge is not isolated to one department, as hotels are attempting to fill an average of nine positions per property, a number that has remained relatively unchanged since May 2023.
While staffing shortages persist, unprecedented career opportunities are available for hotel employees. With over 70,000 hotel jobs currently open across the nation, according to Indeed, and national average hotel wages hitting an all-time high of $23.91 per hour in December 2023, hotel workers are benefiting from better wages and benefits than ever before.
Chip Rogers, President & CEO of AHLA, acknowledges the progress made but emphasizes the need for congressional action to address the ongoing labor shortages. Rogers urges lawmakers to consider measures such as expanding and streamlining the legal H-2B guestworker program, cosponsoring and passing the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act, and supporting the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act.
With nine million job openings and only 6.3 million unemployed people to fill them as of December, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, congressional intervention is essential to help hoteliers overcome workforce challenges and rebuild the post-pandemic economy.
The hospitality industry continues to demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity, but concerted efforts from policymakers and stakeholders are necessary to ensure its long-term recovery and success.
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