The AHLA survey results indicate a worsening workforce situation for hoteliers over the last few months
More than three-quarters of American hotels are experiencing a staffing shortage, and hotels are increasing pay, benefits, and perks to recruit and retain employees, according to a May survey of hoteliers conducted by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA).
In the press statement, AHLA says that over the last six months 86 pc of respondents have increased wages, 52 pc have offered greater flexibility with hours and 33 pc have expanded benefits to cope with the nationwide workforce shortage. Nonetheless, 79 pc say they are still unable to fill open positions.
AS per AHLA, 76 pc of survey respondents said they are experiencing a staffing shortage. Nearly 13 pc reported they are severely understaffed, meaning the shortage is affecting their hotel’s ability to operate. The most critical staffing need is housekeeping, with 50 pc ranking it as their top hiring need.
The AHLA survey results indicate a worsening workforce situation for hoteliers over the last few months. In a January 2024 survey, fewer respondents, about 67 pc, said they were experiencing a staffing shortage and fewer, about 72 pc said they were unable to fill open positions.
In the May survey, however, respondents said they were attempting to fill an average of seven job openings per property, down from almost nine positions per property in January.
AHLA says that these staffing challenges are resulting in historic career opportunities for hotel employees. Since the pandemic, average hotel wages have increased faster than average wages throughout the general economy, and hotel benefits and flexibility are better than ever.
Kevin Carey
“Strong summer travel demand and a nationwide workforce shortage have combined to create more pay, perks, and upward mobility for current and prospective hotel employees,” says AHLA Interim President and CEO Kevin Carey.
“But hotels need access to more workers to continue creating jobs. AHLA is lobbying Congress and the administration for a variety solutions to grow the workforce, while the AHLA Foundation’s Empowering Youth and Registered Apprenticeship programmes continue to give workers the tools and support they need to enter, advance and succeed in our industry,” adds Carey.
AHLA adds that as of April, there were 8.1 million job openings in the United States and only 6.5 million unemployed people to fill those jobs, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics. There are tens of thousands of hotel jobs currently open across the nation, according to Indeed, a manpower firm.
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