SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 23, 2025 – Hotels across the United States are making strides in workforce recovery, yet significant staffing challenges persist, according to a recent survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and AHLA Gold Partner Hireology. While improvements have been noted since May 2024, nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of hotels still report staffing shortages, highlighting the ongoing effort to rebuild the hospitality workforce.
Continued Staffing Challenges in the Hotel Industry
Despite various incentives and recruitment efforts, the hotel industry continues to grapple with staffing shortages. “While American hotels have largely recovered from the pandemic, hotel employment is still nearly 10 percent below pre-pandemic staffing levels,” said AHLA President and CEO Rosanna Maietta. “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.”
The survey indicates a positive trend, with the percentage of hotels reporting severe understaffing dropping from 13 percent in May 2024 to 9 percent by year-end. However, the overall shortage remains a significant concern, with 71 percent of surveyed hotels reporting unfilled job openings despite active searches. On average, hotels are attempting to fill six to seven open positions per property.
Key Roles Affected by Staffing Shortages
The most critical staffing shortages are concentrated in key operational areas. Housekeeping remains the most challenging role to fill, with 38 percent of hotels reporting difficulties. Front desk positions follow closely, with 26 percent of hotels struggling to find qualified candidates. Culinary positions and maintenance roles also present challenges, with 14 percent and 13 percent of hotels reporting shortages, respectively.
Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Talent
Hotels are implementing various strategies to attract and retain employees. The most frequently cited approach is offering higher wages, with 47 percent of hotels adopting this tactic. Flexible working hours are also a popular incentive, with 20 percent of hotels offering this benefit. Additionally, 13 percent of hotels are providing hotel discounts to attract and retain staff, while 9 percent are participating in job fairs and advertising.
“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, cofounder and CEO, Hireology. "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.”
Positive Outlook on Career Opportunities
Despite the ongoing challenges, there is a positive outlook on career opportunities within the hospitality sector. A strong majority of those surveyed (72 percent) believe that career opportunities in hospitality are better than ever or at the same levels since the pandemic. This positive sentiment underscores the industry’s commitment to providing rewarding career paths for its workforce.
Conclusion
While the hotel industry has made progress in addressing staffing shortages, significant challenges remain. Hotels are actively implementing strategies to attract and retain talent, including offering higher wages, flexible hours, and career advancement opportunities. As the industry continues to recover, focusing on workforce development and creating a supportive policy environment will be crucial for long-term success.
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