How To Handle Hospitality Staff Shortages

Hospitality Staff Shortages and the Great Resignation

Key Takeaways

• One-third of hospitality workers plan to leave their jobs.

• Staff shortages are increasing as part of the global “great resignation.”

• Employee motivators, career paths, and culture improvements are key to retention.

• Replacing staff costs hospitality businesses significant time and money.

• Recruitment agencies can help employers attract and retain top talent.

Understanding Hospitality Staff Shortages

Hospitality staff shortages have become one of the sector’s biggest challenges. A Workforce Management App survey revealed that a third of hospitality workers plan to leave their jobs, while Microsoft’s Work Trend Index suggests 40% of the global workforce will move roles within a year.

For hospitality businesses, this wave of resignations poses significant risks. Employees are leaving for higher pay, better working conditions, and improved work-life balance. With thousands of vacancies available, many feel confident about finding new opportunities quickly.

The True Cost of the Great Resignation

High turnover is nothing new, but the scale of resignations since the pandemic is unprecedented. Staff shortages in hospitality create:

• Increased recruitment costs (an average of £25,200 per hire).

• Reduced productivity (28 weeks for a new hire to reach full potential).

• Disruption to customer service and business growth.

Without action, businesses risk losing their most valuable asset: their people.

How Employers Can Respond

Understand Employee Motivators

Stay interviews are a powerful way to find out what staff value most. Many employees now prioritise flexibility, wellbeing, and opportunities for new challenges.

Create Career Pathways

Hospitality professionals want to see a future with their employer. Offering training, promotions, and skill development reduces turnover by showing staff you are invested in their long-term success.

Improve Company Culture

A positive, supportive workplace is essential for retention. Employers should:

• Encourage open communication.

• Provide regular feedback.

• Promote mental and physical wellbeing.

• Align company values with those of employees.

Work with a Hospitality Recruitment Agency

Partnering with a specialist hospitality recruitment agency gives employers access to talent pools they cannot reach alone. Recruiters can help refine your employer brand, streamline hiring, and secure candidates committed to growth.

FAQs

Why are hospitality staff leaving?
Many leave due to low pay, poor work-life balance, lack of progression, and burnout.

What impact do staff shortages have?
They increase recruitment costs, reduce service quality, and slow business growth.

How can employers retain staff?
By offering competitive pay, career development, flexible working, and strong workplace culture.

Can recruitment agencies help?
Yes. Specialist hospitality recruiters provide access to vetted candidates and long-term staffing solutions.

Work with KSB Recruitment

At KSB Recruitment, we’ve been helping hospitality businesses for over 30 years. We support employers with staffing strategies to reduce turnover and secure the right people for the future.

📍 Regus Park, Central Boulevard, Blythe Valley Park, Solihull, B90 8AG
📞 0121 828 9840
📧 [email protected]
🌐 Contact us here

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