Why Hospitality Employers Struggle to Find Good Staff (And How to Fix It) 🍽️🚶‍♀️

Finding and retaining good staff is one of the biggest challenges in the hospitality industry. Whether you run a busy pub, a high-end restaurant, or a hotel, you’ve probably experienced firsthand the frustrations that come with hospitality recruitment challenges. From a shortage of skilled workers to high turnover rates, many hospitality employers find themselves struggling to find good staff and fill positions quickly. So, why is it so difficult to recruit top talent, and what can you do to fix it?

At Exccel Recruitment, we understand the challenges of hospitality hiring problems. We’ve worked with businesses across the hospitality sector to find solutions that address these issues. In this post, we’ll explore the main reasons why it’s so difficult to recruit and how you can overcome these obstacles to build a strong, reliable team.

1. Skills Shortage in the Hospitality Industry 🏨🍴

One of the main reasons hospitality employers are struggling to find good staff is a significant skills shortage in the industry. With the increasing demand for qualified workers in kitchens, front-of-house roles, and management positions, it’s becoming more difficult to find candidates who have the right mix of skills and experience. Many candidates lack the necessary training or have moved into other sectors after the pandemic, leaving a gap in available talent.

How to Fix It:

• Invest in training: Offering training and development programs can help you bridge the skills gap and create a pipeline of talent from within.

• Hire for potential: Instead of focusing solely on experience, consider hiring candidates with the right attitude and a willingness to learn. Look for candidates who show promise and are eager to develop their skills.

  
  

2. High Staff Turnover Rates 🔄👨‍🍳

The hospitality industry is notorious for high turnover rates, with many employees leaving after just a few months. This makes it harder for employers to maintain a stable workforce. Employees may leave due to long hours, low pay, lack of career growth, or poor working conditions. High turnover leads to recruitment challenges, as you’re constantly back at square one, trying to fill roles with candidates who might not stay long.

How to Fix It:

• Improve employee retention: Focus on creating a positive work environment, offering competitive pay, and providing clear opportunities for career advancement. Employees who feel valued are more likely to stay.

• Offer benefits beyond pay: Health benefits, flexible hours, employee recognition programs, and opportunities for progression can help improve retention and attract quality candidates.

  
  

3. Uncompetitive Pay and Benefits 💸👨‍🍳

Many hospitality businesses struggle with uncompetitive pay, especially for entry-level positions like waitstaff or kitchen porters. With inflation and the rising cost of living, workers are increasingly seeking better compensation in other industries. Offering competitive pay and benefits is crucial to attracting and retaining skilled hospitality workers. However, some employers are still offering wages that are too low to meet the expectations of today’s job market.

How to Fix It:

• Evaluate your pay scale: Make sure your wages are competitive with industry standards and reflect the skills required for each role. Offering attractive benefits, such as staff meals, bonuses, or flexible hours, can also make your positions more appealing.

• Be transparent about pay: Set clear expectations about wages and benefits during the recruitment process. This can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure candidates are fully aware of the compensation package on offer.

  
  

4. Lack of Employer Branding 🌟🏨

Hospitality employers often struggle to attract top talent because they haven’t built a strong employer brand. Many businesses don’t actively market their workplace culture or highlight the benefits of working with their team. In a competitive job market, your brand plays a big role in attracting the right candidates. Job seekers want to work for businesses that have a positive reputation, offer good working conditions, and care about employee satisfaction.

How to Fix It:

• Build a strong employer brand: Share positive stories about your company culture, employee experiences, and the perks of working for your business. Use social media, your website, and employee testimonials to showcase what makes your workplace unique.

• Promote your values: Make sure your values are clear and aligned with what employees are looking for. Whether it’s work-life balance, growth opportunities, or a focus on sustainability, having a well-defined set of values can attract like-minded candidates.

  
  

5. Inadequate Recruitment Processes 📝⚙️

A lack of a structured recruitment process can contribute to hiring challenges. If your hiring process is disorganized or takes too long, you might lose out on top talent who’ve accepted other offers. In today’s fast-paced job market, candidates expect a smooth, quick process that respects their time and provides clear communication.

How to Fix It:

• Streamline your hiring process: Review your current recruitment procedures to identify areas where you can speed up the process. Ensure that interviews are efficient and that feedback is given promptly.

• Partner with a recruitment agency: If you’re struggling to find qualified candidates, working with a hospitality recruitment agency UK like Exccel Recruitment can help. We can source, vet, and present top talent, ensuring you don’t miss out on the best candidates.

  
  

6. Lack of Flexibility in Scheduling 🕰️

Flexibility is increasingly important to today’s workforce, especially for those in hospitality roles. Many employees value work-life balance, and rigid schedules or long hours can deter potential candidates. Without the option for flexible hours, weekend work, or part-time shifts, it may be challenging to attract staff.

How to Fix It:

• Offer flexible scheduling options: Consider allowing employees to choose shifts or work on a part-time or flexible basis. This can help attract a wider pool of candidates, particularly those balancing family commitments or side gigs.

• Use shift-based apps: Utilize scheduling software or apps that allow employees to select shifts or swap shifts easily. This can enhance employee satisfaction and retention.

  
  

How Exccel Recruitment Can Help

At Exccel Recruitment, we specialize in helping hospitality businesses overcome hospitality recruitment challenges. Whether you’re struggling to find good staff or facing hospitality hiring problems, our team can help you source, vet, and hire top-quality candidates. We work closely with our clients to ensure they get the right talent for their needs, helping them build strong, effective teams that drive success.

If you’re struggling to find the right staff for your business, contact Exccel Recruitment today at 01992 660266. Let’s solve your staffing challenges together.