Let's be real, the energy in hospitality is infectious, but behind the scenes, a skills gap is creating headwinds. You're likely seeing more enthusiastic but less experienced individuals joining your team, especially with the current economic climate. This influx of fresh talent is vital, but it also puts the onus on us to provide the right training and support. Without it, service quality and efficiency can suffer.
In fact, Brigad* forecasts a potential talent deficit of 13-14 million individuals over the coming five years. This situation is made more acute by considerable staff turnover and the industry's prevailing reputation.
So, how do we bridge this gap and empower the next generation of hospitality pros?
Here are four key areas to focus on:
1. Tech to the Rescue: Working Smarter, Not Just Harder
Imagine offloading repetitive tasks so your team can shine where it truly matters – with your guests. Today's hospitality tech, like intuitive ePOS** systems and automated reporting, does just that. By streamlining operations and providing real-time insights, you empower your team to make smarter decisions and focus on creating exceptional experiences. Less time on admin means more time for connection, ultimately boosting both employee satisfaction and customer loyalty.
2. Nurturing Well-being: Investing in Your People
Hospitality can be demanding, and the well-being of our teams needs to be a top priority. According to a 2024 report by Planday*** 85% of hospitality employees experienced symptoms of poor mental health in the past 12 months, including depression, anxiety or stress. Creating a supportive environment goes hand-in-hand with skill development. Structured training programmes and mentorship opportunities are crucial, as are digital learning tools that allow for flexible growth. Equally important is fostering a culture that values mental health, offering resources, fair scheduling, and open communication. When your team feels supported and valued, they're more likely to thrive in this fast-paced industry.
3. Charting a Course: Showing the Long-Term Vision
The costs and disruption of high staff turnover are significant. To foster a committed team, highlight their potential for growth within your organisation. Offering clear career pathways, encompassing leadership training and opportunities for cross-skilling, underlines your investment in their future. Recognise achievements through transparent promotion criteria and incentives. When your team perceives genuine opportunities for learning and advancement, they are more inclined to commit long-term, leading to a more stable and capable workforce.
4. Flexibility Wins: Adapting to Modern Expectations
The modern workforce, particularly younger generations, values work-life balance. In fact, a study published by The Guardian**** found that 74% of Gen Z workers surveyed ranked work-life balance as their top priority. Offering flexible schedules can make hospitality a more attractive career choice, boosting your recruitment and retention efforts. Embracing flexibility not only meets the expectations of today's talent but also fosters more engaged and productive teams.
The Bottom Line:
Bridging the skills gap in hospitality requires a holistic approach. By strategically leveraging technology, prioritising employee well-being, creating clear career paths, and embracing flexibility, we can empower the next generation of hospitality professionals and build stronger, more resilient businesses for the future.
Talk to one of our experts today to see how Lightspeed can help.
www.lightspeedhq.com/pos/restaurant/talk-to-a-pos-expert/
*www.brigad.co/en-gb/blog/which-skills-are-in-high-demand-in-the-hospitality-industry-and-why#:~:text=Skill%20gaps%20are%20higher%20for,serving%20guests%20in%20the%20sector.
**www.lightspeedhq.com/pos/restaurant/
***www.planday.com/resources/articles/hospitalitys-mental-health-epidemic-and-why-clear-career-paths-motivate-teams/#:~:text=A%20concerning%20trend%20that%20has,including%20depression%2C%20anxiety%20or%20stress.
****www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jan/21/work-life-balance-pay-workers-covid-pandemic
