In recent years, UK hospitality businesses have faced a storm of challenges affecting their ability to recruit and retain skilled staff. Brexit’s impact on the workforce and the residual effects of Covid-19 have made it more challenging to maintain stable, well-trained teams. The numbers tell a striking story: according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), job vacancies in hospitality rose by 79% in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels, and industry turnover rates remain as high as 30%. These figures highlight the difficulty many businesses experience in hiring and retaining staff, leading to lower service standards, overstretched teams, and increased operational costs.
Despite these obstacles, hospitality businesses can take practical steps to enhance their recruitment and retention strategies. Let’s explore five actionable tips to help you build a committed, skilled workforce.
1. Prioritise Employee Well-being and Work-Life Balance
The hospitality industry is known for its long hours and demanding schedules, which contribute to burnout and high turnover rates. A recent study by Caterer.com found that 72% of hospitality staff cited work-life balance as a top factor influencing their decision to stay with an employer. Addressing this need for balance can help attract and retain valuable team members.
Consider offering more flexible shifts, exploring a four-day work week for select roles, or rotating schedules to give staff regular breaks. Additionally, provide access to mental health support, whether through an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) or partnerships with mental health organisations. These steps can improve staff well-being and show your team that you value their work and their lives outside of it.
2. Invest in Staff Training and Career Development
Investing in training and career development benefits both the employee and the business. The People 1st Hospitality Report indicates that staff with access to development programmes are 40% more likely to stay in their roles, while establishments with well-trained teams report higher levels of customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Consider setting up a formalised training programme that includes progression paths within the organisation. This could mean creating a tiered development plan for entry-level staff to advance to supervisory roles, or partnering with online learning platforms to offer courses in leadership and soft skills. When employees see a future within the organisation, they’re more likely to commit for the long term.
3. Embrace Diversity and Inclusive Hiring Practices
As Brexit has limited the availability of overseas workers, it’s more critical than ever for UK hospitality businesses to widen their recruitment efforts. Diverse workplaces are known to foster greater creativity and satisfaction, and employees who feel represented and respected are more likely to stay. According to UKHospitality, businesses with inclusive hiring practices report 14% higher retention rates compared to those without.
Focus on inclusive hiring by removing unnecessary qualifications from job descriptions, actively seeking candidates from underrepresented groups, and ensuring recruitment processes are accessible to all. This approach will widen your talent pool and help create a workplace that values diversity and inclusion, attracting a broader range of candidates.
4. Boost Employee Engagement Through Recognition and Incentives
Staff recognition plays a significant role in employee satisfaction and retention. A Glassdoor study found that 53% of employees would stay longer with an employer if they felt appreciated. Small gestures, such as recognising employee milestones or offering rewards for outstanding customer service, go a long way toward fostering a positive work environment.
Consider implementing an employee-of-the-month programme, offering performance bonuses, or providing small perks such as free meals or discounts. Simple gestures that acknowledge hard work can make employees feel valued, improving morale and encouraging loyalty.
5. Adopt Technology to Improve Operational Efficiency
Technology isn’t just about guest-facing services; it can also help reduce staff burnout by making day-to-day tasks more manageable. The use of digital checklists, automated inventory management, and streamlined scheduling software can significantly improve operational efficiency, giving employees more time to focus on high-impact tasks. Studies from the ONS show that automation can reduce workload by up to 20% and free up time for more meaningful customer interactions.
Look into hospitality-focused software like Fourth or Planday for scheduling, or use automated systems for inventory and ordering. Technology won’t replace the need for staff, but it can reduce the burden on them, helping to prevent burnout and increase job satisfaction.
Building a Sustainable Workforce
The staffing challenges facing UK hospitality won’t disappear overnight. However, by focusing on employee well-being, inclusive recruitment, training, recognition, and operational support, businesses can build a workplace where people want to work and stay. Hospitality is fundamentally about people, and when we invest in our teams, we’re also investing in the quality of service we deliver.
For more insights into addressing staff shortages and boosting retention, explore our resources at Talking Hospitality. Let’s create a hospitality industry that values its people as much as it does its guests.
