Accommodation Industry in Staffing Crisis: Expert Market Report

The Accommodation Industry Report recently published by Expert Market reveals that staffing issues are the primary concern for franchise and independent businesses in the accommodation industry. The report surveyed over 400 US accommodation businesses and found that 48% of respondents identified staffing as the single most significant risk to their operations in the forthcoming year. Amid increasing quit rates — the highest since 2022 — and rising labor and maintenance costs, these businesses are grappling with multiple challenges.

Many companies are resorting to measures such as increasing staff compensation, enhancing training programs, and introducing retention incentives in response to the staffing crisis. Some are also turning to operational changes and technological solutions, including the introduction of self-service options, reduction in housekeeping levels, and lower front desk operating hours.

The report found that franchise businesses are more affected by staffing issues, with 58% citing it as their primary concern, compared to 44% of independent businesses. As economic hardships intensify, businesses are cutting back on hiring and staffing levels — a trend noted by 49% of franchise businesses and 34% of independent businesses.

The roles hardest to fill within these businesses are housekeeping cleaning staff, front desk clerks, and maintenance/janitorial staff. The report suggests that to alleviate the ongoing staffing issues, accommodation businesses must prioritize their staff, beginning with recruitment and ending with promotion.

It is important to note that this report highlights the critical role people play in the accommodation industry. To attract and retain staff, businesses must enhance working conditions and compensation while fostering a rewarding work environment. This is crucial, especially in an industry where creating memorable experiences for guests and meeting new people are the job’s most enjoyable aspects. Given the current economic climate and the challenges the accommodation industry faces, this report underscores the need for businesses to adapt and innovate to navigate the staffing crisis.

Discover more at Expert Market.