The Dangers of Understaffing Your Hotel at the Executive Level

hotel understaffing

Before we know it, winter will be on the way out and the busy season will be fast-approaching. If you’ve recently found yourself short-staffed (especially at the executive level), now is the time to be proactive about finding coverage. When you need effective solutions, our team at Hospitality Taskforce is here to help you with upper level temporary hotel staffing. Here’s a look at why it’s so important to keep management-level positions filled and avoid the dangers of understaffing: 

Higher Turnover

Understaffing at any level is dangerous because it leads to higher turnover. When you’re running a busy hotel, high turnover spells disaster because you’ll continually need to train new hires. To boost your chances of retaining top talent, you should pay close attention to keeping executive level positions filled. Even a short term vacancy can quickly trickle down to impact multiple departments, so if you’re about to be faced with a leave of absence by an important team member, give us a call. We’ll work with you to find an experienced contractor who can step right into the role and provide leadership you can trust.

Reduced Business Growth

Now that travel has bounced back post-pandemic and consumer spending is up as inflation cools, it’s a great time to focus on business growth. Without the expertise from executive level staff, your hotel will lose out on opportunities to increase profits. Positions such as Director of Finance, Director of Sales, and Executive Meeting Manager are critical for driving growth and maintaining a sustainable budget. 

Lower Quality Work 

When leadership is absent or understaffed, the entire property will feel the effects. Keeping executive positions fully staffed is necessary for ensuring that operations run smoothly and all departments have what they need to succeed. Without seasoned professionals to guide the team, you’ll more than likely have to outsource work to inexperienced team members or leave important work undone. With just a few weeks of lapsed coverage, the customer experience may decline, leading to even more issues for successors to untangle. 

Executive level positions are crucial for hotels, and being understaffed will quickly cause problems for the property. If you’ve recently discovered that your most experienced team members will be taking a leave of absence or moving on to another opportunity, the search for coverage should begin immediately. Since upper level vacancies can be so challenging to fill, you may be interested in seeking help from an agency that specializes in temporary hotel staffing. The Hospitality Taskforce team has been a leader in our industry since our founding in 2003. Whether you’re looking to fill a short-term vacancy or need someone to step in for several months, we can connect you with the best contractors available. Our process is rigorous, and we accept only the top-tier candidates. To learn more about how we can help, please contact us or submit an RFP. 

Hospitality Staff Planning for the New Year

As we approach the New Year, now is a great time to start planning for staffing needs in 2024. Although the winter tends to be a slower time for hotels, getting a head start with planning can help your property avoid staff shortages come summertime. Here’s an overview of how you can make the most of preparation for the upcoming year and fill the right number of temporary hospitality jobs: 

Set Goals 

The beginning of a New Year is an excellent opportunity to analyze data from the previous year and set goals for the months ahead. With realistic goals fresh in your mind, you can gain a greater understanding of your staffing needs for the future.

Check In With Each Department

Before the busy season is in full swing, check in with each department to get a feel for upcoming medical or maternity leaves. When you know what’s on the horizon and who will be out (and for how long), you can plan accordingly and avoid any hiccups in coverage. This is especially important for upper level positions, which can be more challenging to fill. 

Reach Out to a Staffing Agency 

If you discover that management-level employees will be taking leave, now is the time to reach out to a staffing agency. Filling these critical positions with qualified replacements is essential in keeping the property running smoothly, but as all hiring managers understand, high-quality candidates can be hard to find. Since upper level positions require individuals with expertise in their field, you’ll want to work with a staffing agency that takes experience seriously. At Hospitality Taskforce, we’re committed to connecting our clients with the best candidates in the business. We require contractors to have at least 10 years of experience in their role, plus a minimum of 10 references (seven professional and three personal).

The start of the New Year is always an exciting time. There’s much to look forward to, and great potential for what lies ahead. If you’re ready to take your property to new heights this year, adequate staffing is a must. After goal setting and determining upcoming staffing needs, your next step is to find a top-tier staffing agency that specializes in hospitality. At Hospitality Taskforce, we’re the industry leader in connecting clients with the highly-skilled managers they need. When you’re planning to fill temporary hospitality jobs, give us a call or submit an RFP. We’d love to help you find the best candidates for every upper level position you have in mind. 

What the Hospitality Industry Can Learn From Other Sectors’ Staffing Practices

If you’re a property manager, you may be using the winter lull to prepare for the busier seasons ahead. In addition to team building and streamlining operations, the slower season is ideal for beginning the search for top-quality candidates. Whether you’re planning ahead to fill scheduled vacancies or are short-staffed and seeking immediate help, smart staffing practices are a must for temporary hospitality jobs. When you begin the process of hiring new members of the team, you may be interested in borrowing strategies from other industries’ toolboxes. Here, we share staffing tips from other sectors’ playbooks: 

Work With a Staffing Agency 

If you’ve been struggling to find time to review applications and schedule thorough interviews, take some advice from the tech industry: work with a staffing agency! At Hospitality Taskforce, our top priority is to source high-quality candidates for upper level positions. Executive-level positions are critical to the success of your property, and we take experience very seriously. We want to help you find the right people to cover these important roles, and we work hard to ensure a stress-free process. Once you’ve worked with us, we feel confident you’ll want to reach out again when it’s time to fill another temporary position.

Conduct More Than One Interview

These days, one interview isn’t enough to cut it. If you’re looking for ways to reduce turnover and feel confident that the applicant can jump right into the job, conducting at least two rounds of interviews is a great start. It can be a hassle to schedule more than one conversation, but it’s well worth the extra time to really get to know a candidate and get a feel for his or her strengths. If possible, include other members of the team in at least one of the interviews. Getting feedback from the department that the candidate will be working with is an excellent strategy to ensure the applicant is the right fit. 

Identify and Eliminate Bottlenecks

Staffing challenges can sneak up on you, especially during the peak season. The hospitality industry continues to contend with a lack of quality candidates, so it’s easy to understand why you may find yourself understaffed. By working with high-level temporary contractors, you can identify bottlenecks in your day-to-day processes that are slowing you down and plan staffing needs accordingly. Executive-level contractors can be invaluable in revving up productivity and identifying points of weakness. 

Beating the talent shortage within the hospitality industry is no easy task. If you’re tired of the struggle of low-quality applicants, the Hospitality Taskforce team is here to help. Staffing agencies are ubiquitous within other industries, and we strongly believe in the power of our network to bring your property to the next level. If you’re looking for the best candidates for temporary hospitality jobs, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have decades of experience in sourcing elite contractors who can step into upper-level roles and work seamlessly with existing teams. To learn more, please reach out to us or submit an RFP. 

How to Make the Most of Managing Staff Through the Winter Lull

temporary hotel staffing hospitality taskforce agency Managing Staff Through the Winter Lull

Now that summer has come to pass, many hoteliers can catch a bit of a break as we head into the slower winter season. The months of November through March are generally considered to be the off-peak season (while bookings are at their highest levels from June through August). If your property is experiencing lower occupancy rates during this time of year, you may be wondering how to make the most of managing staff. The off season is the perfect time to focus on increasing efficiency, building strong teams, and finding temporary hotel staffing. Here, we share inspiration for helping strengthen your team during the winter months to prepare for the busier season: 

Find What’s Working (And What’s Not)

After the summer rush, encourage each department to evaluate what’s working and what isn’t. Pinpointing areas that need improvement will serve your property well in the months to come. Taking the time to listen to guest feedback and employee insights will prepare your team to make important changes in the future. If you’re short on staff and need expertise from seasoned veterans in the industry, we can help connect you with highly qualified personnel to improve operations. 

Focus on Team Building

Team building is important within our industry, and can be a great strategy for making your property the best it can be. Even during the slower winter season, it can be challenging to find time for non-essential tasks. However, research shows that teams with good rapport are more effective and happier at work–which are both critical components for productivity and lower turnover. If possible, take some time to nurture your teams’ relationships with simple exercises designed for collaboration and trust-building. Activities like a team puzzle, hotel scavenger hunt, or even a potluck are investments that will pay off.

Fill Temporary Positions

Don’t let the winter season get away without getting started on the hiring process for temporary contractors. If employees have maternity leave or medical absences on the horizon, now is the time to begin looking for coverage. Whether you need someone to cover one month or several, we can assist you in sourcing excellent candidates who can be ready to step into the role as soon as you need them. To find the best candidates for your vacancy, at least one month’s notice is ideal.

The winter brings slower days for the hospitality industry, but there’s a lot that managers can do to make the most of the time. Taking some time to streamline operations and get a jump start on filling temporary hotel staffing positions are priorities you won’t regret. Since 2003, Hospitality Taskforce has been the industry leader in connecting highly qualified contractors with property managers. If you have temporary positions you’d like to fill, we’re here to help. Please contact us to learn more about the process. 

What You Need to Know About Working Remotely as a Hospitality Contractor

working remotely as a hospitality contractor

If you’re at the top of your field in the hospitality industry, the demand for talent may pique your interest. Taskforce hospitality jobs are often beneficial for all parties, so it’s no surprise that temporary positions can be attractive for experienced independent contractors. If you’re interested in taking a temporary position, we’d love to connect you with property managers looking for your strengths. One question that we often get from contractors is whether remote work is a possibility. Ultimately, this depends upon the role you’re applying for and the needs of the team you’ll be joining. However, there are a few factors to consider and ask about when preparing for your interviews. Here’s an overview of what you should know about working remotely as a contactor: 

Some Positions Offer Remote or Hybrid Work 

Within the hospitality industry, it’s no secret that remote work is hard to come by. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s completely off the table for the right candidates. Post-COVID, many contractors still prefer to work remotely and are making these preferences known. Although it will depend upon your responsibilities and specialization, telecommuting may be possible for some positions (such as finance and sales). 

Considerations For Remote Roles 

If you’re interested in working remotely and have found a hotel to accommodate your preferences, there are a few considerations you’ll want to keep in mind. Since taskforce jobs are short-term and you’ll need to get up to speed quickly, we strongly recommend that you start with at least one full week on the property. This face-to-face communication is often imperative for getting to know the team and gaining a deeper understanding of the expectations. It’s also crucial to work with the property’s IT team to set up the necessary programs and permissions on your computer–and don’t try to do it at home by yourself. Once you’ve met the team and settled into the role, consider going on-property for some face time every three to four weeks. 

We’ve seen a few contractors perform exceedingly well in these roles, which could open up the possibility for hybrid or remote work for future positions. As mentioned above, the most successful remote assignments typically begin with the contractor on property. This is good to bring up as a suggestion in your interview even if the hiring manager isn’t requiring it. If you are open to remote, in-person, or a hybrid of both, you can broaden your appeal and increase your opportunities. When you’re ready to proceed with your search for top-level taskforce hospitality jobs, you’ve come to the right place. To start the process, please reach out to our team. 

How the Hospitality Industry Can Make Smart Staffing Adaptations

hospitality industry staffing

If you’re a property manager, you’ve almost certainly experienced the effects of staffing shortages. The hospitality industry has been struggling to keep up with demand post-pandemic, and the combination of increased demand and worker shortages is challenging (to say the least). When you’re looking for ways to improve efficiency and reduce inflationary pressures, hiring for temporary hospitality jobs can be a winning strategy. Temporary workers have long been a staple for other industries, and there’s more that our sector can learn from other types of businesses. Here’s a look at ways that you can boost efficiency with reduced or temporary staffing: 

Restructure Roles to Combine Jobs 

Currently, many hotels operate under a clear division of labor, and roles are rigid. This isn’t the case in many other industries, and it’s common to see job listings that combine responsibilities into one position. If you need to ensure that operations are running smoothly with a smaller crew, consider redefining roles so fewer people are needed in each department. There are many ways to implement this concept, such as combining similar roles or introducing a player-coach system (for example, a housekeeper could supervise a team as well as clean rooms). Although you may find it helpful to combine lower-level responsibilities as much as you can, don’t be afraid to bring in an expert when necessary. In many cases, highly experienced temporary contractors bring a wealth of knowledge and valuable perspective to a property. Then, full-time employees can build upon this foundation when the contractor’s tenure is up. 

Utilize Talented Independent Contractors 

Contract work is becoming more common across multiple industries, and following this trend can be one of the most effective ways for hotels to improve efficiency and ensure adequate coverage. Instead of focusing on hiring full-time, W2 employees, managers would be wise to tap into the talent of seasoned contractors. Hiring permanent employees is a time-consuming process that often requires a lengthy training period, which is a luxury that few hotels have right now. Highly experienced contractors will save time and add value without disrupting your team’s workflow. 

The staffing shortages within the hospitality industry are widespread, and many hotels are struggling to keep up with demand. Our industry has experienced rapid changes since the pandemic, and it may be time to change your staffing practices to help your property thrive. If you need someone experienced and talented to step into a role on a temporary basis, we can help connect you with the best candidates in the business. Since 2003, Hospitality Taskforce has been the leader in sourcing elite contractors to fill temporary hospitality jobs. To start the process of finding the right person or people for your property, please contact us or submit an RFP. 

How Qualified Taskforce Candidates Can Help You Meet Consumer Expectations

temporary hotel staffing

Now that summer is in full swing, your property is more than likely experiencing an influx of guests. Post-pandemic, Americans are ramping up their travel plans to make up for lost time–and hotels are feeling the impact. If you’re a property manager, there’s no doubt that you’ve seen firsthand how increasing levels of travel combined with a shortage of workers is affecting operations. Guests’ expectations are still just as high as ever, so it’s imperative to do what you can to keep the hotel running smoothly. During this exceptionally busy season, opting for temporary hotel staffing can help you bridge the gap and keep consumers happy. Interested in learning how working with a taskforce agency can help you meet consumer demand? Here’s a look at how highly experienced temporary contractors can provide value to your property:

Improve Efficiency

If you’re skeptical about hiring on a temporary basis, we understand the hesitancy. We’re different in that we only source candidates for upper-level positions, and our contractors have a minimum of 10 years of experience in their field. As a result, each contractor we accept is capable of bringing years of knowledge and experience to your property. When your management-level vacancies are filled by seasoned contractors, you can expect improved efficiency and productivity. 

Our Contractors Go Above and Beyond

Property managers planning to find help for the summer rush already understand that hiring on a seasonal basis is challenging. The job market remains strong despite high inflation, and many would-be temporary workers have more negotiating power. If you prefer to hold off on permanent hires but still need help (and need it now), bringing on experienced contractors is a great way to meet and exceed rising consumer expectations. As a top-tier taskforce agency, we take pride in the quality of contractors we partner with. You can rest assured that all candidates we send your way have a proven track record in going above and beyond. They’re extremely comfortable in the temporary environment and will arrive ready to share their expertise with minimal training. 

If you’re struggling to keep up with consumer demand and guests’ high expectations, temporary hotel staffing is an excellent solution. Keep in mind that not all temporary workers have the necessary level of knowledge and skills, so you may prefer to work with seasoned professionals. When you’re in need of contractors at the top of their field, Hospitality Taskforce can help. Since our founding in 2003, it’s been our mission to connect properties with highly experienced candidates who can confidently and effectively step into crucial positions. If you’d like to start the process of finding the best candidates for an upper level vacancy, please submit an RFP or contact us with any questions you may have. 

How Hotel Taskforce Staffing Can Relieve Inflationary Pressures

Businesses across all industries are feeling the pinch from inflation. Even as inflation slows, however, rising interest rates may be taking a toll on your property. If you’re a hotel manager on the search for ways to relieve the pressure from inflation, hiring temporary hospitality staffing can be an excellent strategy. Our experienced contractors are always an asset, but they’re especially helpful during this time of economic uncertainty. Here are a few of the top benefits of working with temporary contractors at the top of their field: 

Learn From the Best in the Business

Not all contractors bring the same level of knowledge and experience to the table, but our business model is different. We only source upper-level contractors who have a minimum of 10 years experience in their area of expertise (and most of our connections have much more experience than a decade). Because of their wealth of knowledge, hotels are in a unique position to benefit from our contractors’ strategic strength. Whether you need to bring someone in to sharpen your sales department or streamline operations in other areas, chances are that we have someone who can help. 

Prevent Revenue Loss by Filling Gaps in Coverage

Your patrons undoubtedly expect a high level of service and a positive experience. When full-time employees quit without notice or are terminated, the rest of the team is left to pick up the slack. Even planned absences such as maternity leave or medical leave can leave your team in a difficult spot, so having a partnership with a staffing agency is advantageous to prevent loss of revenue (which is especially important in these unusual economic waters). 

Inflation hasn’t been this high since the 1980s, so it’s no surprise that hotels are also feeling the effects of rapidly rising prices, higher interest rates, and discerning consumers. If your goal is to reduce spending while boosting revenue, opting for temporary hospitality staffing can be a savvy financial decision. Since 2003, we’ve dedicated ourselves to forging connections with the best temporary contractors available. We’re proud to source only the finest candidates for management-level positions, and we’d love to help you find the coverage you need. To learn more about our process, please contact our team or submit an RFP

Summer Staffing Challenges for the Hospitality Industry

hospitality staffing challenges for summer

Summer is a wonderful time to be in the hospitality industry, as people hit the open road, hop on planes, or take trains to see the world. But just as summer giveth, it also taketh away, particularly in the form of staffing shortages. In fact, summer presents all sorts of difficulties for the average hotel’s workforce, challenges that occur because of the following:

Summer Vacations Reign Supreme

Summer is the most popular time of year to take a vacation; roughly 81% of people travel when school ends and temperatures rise…and this includes people who work for you. Some members of your workforce may prefer to take the summer off (or at least take off a portion of it), leaving you with many positions to fill. 

Your Demand Increases

Hotels flourish in the summer, as sightseers and sun lovers show up in droves. This increased demand is, of course, good for a hotel’s bottom line, but it presents a challenge from a staffing perspective. The more guests you have, the more employees you need. 

Seasonal Positions are Tricky to Fill

Seasonal employment is not for everyone; job seekers looking for long-term careers or considering their long-term finances aren’t likely to jump at the chance to work on such a short-term basis. Fewer interested people mean fewer highly qualified candidates, ultimately making it harder to fill your open positions with those who can go above and beyond.  

Summer Presents a Time Crunch

On average, the hiring process can take around a month to six weeks. While this might be workable during other times of the year, summer causes an issue: there are only three months in the season, so you’re on a ticking clock. This makes the hiring process much more difficult and ups the odds that you’ll hire the wrong person because anyone is better than no one.  

Job Seekers Procrastinate Until the Fall 

Just like people tend to start their diets on “Monday,” they also tend to start their job search in the fall. Because summer allows for travel, play, and fun in the sun, there’s less motivation for potential job seekers to hunker down and get serious about exploring the workforce. This thins out the pool of candidates and makes it more difficult and time-consuming to find the right person. 

Summer shortages are a frequent problem in the hospitality industry. But they don’t have to be!

Hospitality Taskforce provides hotels and hotel management companies with a network of the highest quality, most experienced professionals in the areas of sales, catering, general and culinary management, and operations on a temporary basis. Contact us to learn how we can help your business grow.

Our Tips For Streamlining Your Taskforce Hotel Hiring Process

taskforce hotel hiring

If your property is  in need of coverage for a management-level position, you may have already determined that temporary hotel staffing is the best solution. There are many benefits of working with an elite taskforce agency–most importantly, access to highly-skilled contractors who will be an asset to your team. If you’re preparing to reach out to an agency, we share tips to help you navigate the hiring process with confidence and efficiency. 

Form a Relationship With a Taskforce Company

You never know when a connection to a taskforce company will come in handy, so we recommend forging a relationship with a reputable agency. Spend some time researching the best options and talking with the recruiting team so you have a solid idea of what to expect when it’s time to start your search. Even after your contract(s) have ended, consider reaching out periodically to keep an open line of communication. 

Review Contract Terms Carefully 

Before you complete the interview process and finalize your contract, be sure to review all terms with a fine-toothed comb. We understand that time is a finite resource, but it’s disappointing to have a contract fall through after you’ve identified the ideal candidate because the terms aren’t a fit. 

Be Forthcoming About Job Requirements

As a top-tier taskforce company, our goal is to have a detailed understanding of the position so we can connect you with the best contractors for the job. We can only be successful in this endeavor when our clients are upfront about each position and provide as much information as possible. For best results, provide an accurate, up-to-date job description and host at least one thorough phone or Zoom interview. If possible, meet with the team the contractor will be assisting to get an idea of what the day-to-day looks like and the qualities and qualifications of the ideal candidate. 

When you’re working toward the goal of filling a non-permanent position, it helps to have a reputable taskforce company in your corner. Our agency is adept at connecting seasoned contractors with property managers for a wide array of management-level openings. Whether you need temporary hotel staffing for one month, two months, or upwards of three months, we can assist you in finding experienced contractors. As the leader in the hotel taskforce hiring, we pride ourselves in sourcing individuals who thrive in this unique environment and can jump right into the role and be successful. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help, please contact us or submit an RFP.