Labour shortage in hotels & restaurants: 6 solutions to put in place

LABOUR SHORTAGE IN HOTELS & RESTAURANTS: 6 SOLUTIONS TO PUT IN PLACE

We have already discussed this topic on our blog. While the results of the 2022 summer season in tourism are rather good, there is nevertheless a labour shortage. A lack of staff that has affected the smooth running of businesses in the restaurant and hotel sectors. If you are currently facing this problem, here are 6 solutions that could help you.

OPTIMIZE YOUR TIME WITH MANAGEMENT TOOLS

As you know, at Reservit, we are committed to helping you optimize the management of your property. With our 3-in-1 Reservit Hébergement tool, you can notably increase your direct booking rate without having staff assigned to this task.

The 3-in-1 Reservit Hébergement tool offers:

• a cloud-based hotel management tool (PMS)
• an integrated booking service that allows your guests to book their room through your website, and also to pay online
• a Channel Manager to connect you to all your distributors and manage your rates on a daily basis, as well as room bookings

To save even more time for you and your staff, opt for an access manager that will allow you to provide keys or codes to access your rooms remotely.

Take advantage of connectivity with these different partners:

Are you a restaurant owner? We have thought of you! Our Reservit Manager gives you an online table booking tool for your restaurant. This booking engine can be customized to match the design of your website or the visual identity of your establishment.

This tool is suitable for smartphones and tablets, for ease of use on a daily basis. No more need for someone to handle bookings: technology does it for you!

OFFER ATTRACTIVE JOB OFFERS

To cope with the labour shortage this summer, some business owners have come up with rather unconventional ideas, as shown in this article published in Capital.

Some owners have decided to make attractive offers, such as a salary of 2400 euros for a pizza chef position in a restaurant in La Grande Motte, a very touristy town. The result: a buzz on social media and around a hundred applications!

ADJUST YOUR OPENING HOURS

With no fewer than 200,000 people missing from the restaurant sector, there is no denying the obvious: this shortage inevitably has an impact on working conditions.

Fewer staff means less capacity to provide proper service, especially in high season. In these cases, some restaurant owners have resigned themselves to adjusting their hours: reducing the number of services offered, closing for some lunches or evenings…

RETHINK WAYS OF WORKING

Beyond finding one-off solutions, it is necessary to rethink ways of working in the hotel and restaurant sector.

After the health crisis and the various lockdowns, more than 100,000 people left their jobs in this field. Working conditions, unattractive salaries, irregular hours… These factors play a major role in the labour shortage.

While it is difficult to avoid irregular hours in the hospitality sector, it would nevertheless be possible to offer more attractive salaries and benefits that could appeal to new employees.

OFFER MORE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

What if the key was to offer a well-paid position that also guarantees career progression within the business? It is true that it is much more motivating to work for a company in which you have prospects for advancement than to take a job in which you will stay without progressing.

As a business owner, do not hesitate to think about career paths for the positions you offer. Mention potential advancement or opportunities during job interviews. You will see that your business, whether it is a hotel or a restaurant, will be more attractive than your competitors!

COMMUNICATE TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS ATTRACTIVE

This is a strategy often used in the digital marketing sector. Many start-ups and other companies do not hesitate to glamourize their working conditions: well-being at work, a sense of belonging to a group, recognition of skills… It is worth knowing that more and more young employees research the company before applying for a job!

In the hotel or restaurant sector, highlight your values: CSR, working conditions, well-being… Do not hesitate to communicate about your employees on social media. It simply gives your business a more “human” side, both for future employees and for your guests.

Julie
Communication Manager
In partnership with Amélie Manceau