SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 21, 2025 – While the hotel industry has made strides in recovering from the pandemic, staffing shortages remain a significant challenge, according to a recent survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Hireology. The Front Desk Feedback survey reveals that 65% of surveyed hotels are still reporting staffing shortages, despite efforts to attract and retain employees.
The Ongoing Staffing Challenge
“While American hotels have largely recovered from the pandemic, hotel employment is still nearly 10% below pre-pandemic staffing levels,” said Rosanna Maietta, president/CEO, AHLA. “The hospitality sector is committed to attracting and retaining talent, investing in workforce development and creating good jobs for millions of Americans, and we are working hard in Washington to ensure we have a policy environment that supports these efforts.”
Although the percentage of hotels reporting shortages has decreased from 76% in May 2024, the current figure highlights the ongoing struggle to fully staff properties. A concerning 9% of hotels still classify themselves as “severely understaffed,” down from 13% in May 2024.
Impact on Hotel Operations
The inability to fill open positions is impacting hotel operations. “The hospitality industry faces a dual challenge: staffing shortages, particularly in key roles like housekeeping and front desk, coupled with the need to retain existing talent,” said Adam Robinson, Hireology cofounder/CEO. “While wage increases and other efforts by hoteliers are positive steps, we must prioritize career mobility and create clear paths for advancement to truly attract and retain the workforce we need.”
More than 70% of surveyed hotels report having unfilled job openings despite active recruitment efforts. On average, each hotel is trying to fill six to seven vacancies.
Key Shortages and Recruitment Strategies
The most critical staffing shortages are in housekeeping (38%) and front desk roles (26%). Hotels are also experiencing difficulties in finding qualified candidates for culinary (14%) and maintenance (13%) positions.
To address these shortages, hotels are implementing various strategies. The most common approach is offering higher wages (47%). Other incentives include flexible working hours (20%), hotel discounts (13%), and participation in job fairs and advertising (9%).
Positive Outlook on Career Opportunities
Despite the challenges, a significant majority of hoteliers (72%) believe that career opportunities in the hospitality industry are either better than ever or have returned to pre-pandemic levels.
AHLA’s Commitment to Workforce Development
The AHLA is actively involved in advocating for policies that support workforce development and expansion. The AHLA Foundation plays a crucial role in these efforts, administering various initiatives designed to help hotels fill open positions and promote the industry's diverse career paths. These programs include the Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship program, a partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Empowering Youth Program, which focuses on recruiting young adults for entry-level positions and providing them with the training and support needed for long-term careers in hospitality.
Survey Methodology
The Front Desk Feedback survey, conducted between December 6, 2024, and January 3, 2025, gathered responses from 282 hoteliers. The data provides valuable insights into the current state of hotel staffing and the strategies being employed to address the ongoing challenges.
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