A recent survey has discovered that staffing shortages continue to plague the hotel industry in the United States, with over 80 percent of hotels affected. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) collected data revealing that 87 percent of hoteliers are struggling to fill open positions, and 82 percent are facing staffing shortages.
Among the survey participants, 26 percent stated that these staffing issues are directly impacting their hotels’ ability to function, with housekeeping positions being the most critical need. Compared to the previous survey conducted in January, where 79 percent reported staffing shortages, the numbers have slightly increased.
AHLA CEO Chip Rogers commented on the situation, highlighting the abundant career opportunities available in the lodging industry. He emphasized that hotel employees now enjoy historically high wages, improved benefits, and increased flexibility. To address the ongoing issue, the AHLA and the AHLA Foundation are committed to enhancing the industry’s talent pool through various workforce recruitment and retention initiatives, such as the Empowering Youth and Registered Apprenticeship programs.
In an effort to attract potential employees, hoteliers are aiming to add an average of nine positions per property and are willing to provide better compensation and benefits. The study revealed that 75 percent of respondents are raising wages, 64 percent are offering more flexible working hours, and 36 percent are expanding employee benefits.
The AHLA disclosed that there are currently over 100,000 vacant hotel jobs across the country, and the national average hotel wages reached a record-breaking high of over $23 per hour in April.
However, Chip Rogers noted that there is still more work to be done to address the workforce shortages. He urged Congress to take action and find bipartisan solutions, including those that create opportunities for more immigrants to enter the American economy.
