Can Employee-Owned Staffing Fix the Hotel Labor Crisis?
The hospitality industry is still wrestling with staffing shortages, and if you’re managing a hotel, you’re probably feeling it. According to a recent AHLA survey, 65% of hotels report they’re short on workers, even after boosting pay and benefits. Despite these efforts, hotel employment is still nearly 10% below pre-pandemic levels. That’s a lot of stress on your existing staff—and it’s tough to keep guests happy when you’re scrambling to fill shifts.
In response, hotel managers are doing everything they can—offering signing bonuses, increasing wages, adding flexible schedules, and even simplifying roles to make them more attractive. While these moves help, they’re not solving the core issue: finding enough qualified staff who actually want to stick around. In fact, the survey reveals that 43% of hotels report shortages in housekeeping, 24% at the front desk, 22% in culinary roles, and 12% in maintenance.
Quick fixes are just that—quick. What the industry really needs is a sustainable solution that keeps employees happy for the long haul.
Taking It a Step Beyond Staffing Companies
Staffing firms can be a lifesaver for hotel managers. They can fill open roles fast, allowing you to focus on delivering great guest experiences instead of drowning in endless hiring efforts. But let’s be real: staffing firms face many of the same challenges as hotels. Just partnering with one won’t magically solve the problem.
The real game-changer is working with a staffing partner that offers something special—something that not only attracts top talent but also makes them want to stay.
The Employee-Owned Advantage
Employee ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) offers a powerful way to attract and retain top talent for the long term. With an ESOP, employees earn shares in the company over time, making them part-owners. This ownership mindset not only boosts motivation and loyalty but also aligns employees’ interests with the company’s success.
The result is clear: higher-quality service, lower turnover, and teams that genuinely care about their work—exactly what hotels need in today’s challenging labor market. An employee-owned staffing partner doesn’t just fill shifts; it builds a dedicated, reliable workforce that elevates the guest experience.
A Strategic Partnership for the Long Term
Beyond solving today’s staffing shortages, partnering with an employee-owned staffing firm helps you build a long-term, reliable workforce pipeline. With access to trained, motivated, and engaged employees, hotels can maintain high service standards even during peak seasons without stretching internal teams too thin.
The staffing shortage might not disappear overnight, but by choosing a partner with an ownership mindset, hotel managers can turn a staffing crisis into an opportunity for sustained success. In a market where retaining skilled employees is a constant battle, an employee-owned staffing partner could be the strategic advantage you’ve been looking for.
Ready to experience the employee-owned difference for yourself? Request talent from Heart of the House today and see how our employee-owners can elevate your guest experience!