For many hotel operators, automating manual processes has become critical to success and top hotel operators are turning to automation to tackle rising operating costs by implementing back-office software across their portfolios. At the beginning of 2023, the overall U.S. economy added 517,000 jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And the leisure and hospitality sector accounted for about 25% of that, adding more jobs than any other sector.
At the same time, however, the industry had 2 million open jobs despite returning to pre-pandemic employment levels, according to the U.S. Travel Association. While many industries have recovered their workforce, the leisure and hospitality sector is still about half a million employees short of its pre-pandemic levels.
The labor shortage figures dive even more dire, according to research from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). The association’s research shows that 79% of hoteliers say their hotels are understaffed. Due to the lack of staffing, 71% of hoteliers are increasing wages, 64% are offering more flexible hours, and 33% are expanding benefits. However, 81% of hoteliers are still unable to fill open positions, according to AHLA.
The hotel industry has long been plagued by labor shortages and high employee turnover. While labor shortage is certainly affecting many industries, the hotel industry is feeling the strain now more than ever. As a result, many hoteliers are focusing on finding creative ways to increase efficiency so they can do more with smaller teams.
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