Over the last decade, labor costs have risen sharply. In 2022, labor shortages are plaguing businesses across the world, and the hospitality industry is no exception.
Demand for workers has never been higher, yet universal labor shortages persist, causing problems for hotels, despite the sharp rise in travel.
Two-plus years removed from the pandemic, travel has come back in a big way. Hotels everywhere had a record-breaking summer of travel, but they did so with reduced capacity thanks to ongoing labor shortages.
With rising wages and the supply of workers still at historically low levels, hotels are struggling to stay afloat during these unprecedented times. Hotel operating costs have a direct impact on a property’s bottom line. So, it’s no surprise that labor shortages and rising costs are taking their toll. To find out the real impact of rising labor costs on hotels and their guests, continue reading below.
How operating costs affect the bottom line
A hotel’s operating cost directly impacts a property’s profitability. Wasteful spending depletes profit margins and threatens a property’s financial health and long-term viability. Hotels must find a balance between overspending and sacrificing vital services that will negatively impact the guests’ experience.
While it’s true you get what you pay for in terms of labor and service, given the new high cost of labor, hotels must find new ways to reduce costs without impacting the guests’ experience.
Worker shortages and the new high price of labor
Two years ago, we saw labor and related costs cut by over 50% to offset the nearly 60% decline in total revenue. Today, total labor costs have risen to over 50% of hotel expenses through GOP. For hoteliers, this means that cutting operating costs is the obvious solution to minimizing losses in hotel profits.
Hotels are eager to return to full operating capacity. But the new high cost of labor is hindering their ability to return to normal.
The impact on guests
The impact on guestsAs travel continues to be a priority for travelers who are eager to make up for lost time, hotels are challenged to maintain the depth of staffing needed to meet the demands of travelers that expect hospitality on their own terms.
Fortunately, there are solutions to assist hotels with staffing shortages, or struggling to provide exceptional, even just adequate, customer service to guests.
A solution for the hotel industry’s staffing shortage problem
Given the high cost of labor, and to combat labor shortages, it’s time to utilize the next generation of hospitality-specific tech so that your staff can focus on your valued clientele.
Only the hospitality industry’s first AI-powered virtual hotel agent can immediately address hiring and staffing challenges. That includes answering up to 60% of the calls for your front desk, answering FAQs specific to your property, understanding multiple languages, routing calls, sending follow-up texts, and much more.
Meet Annette™, The Virtual Hotel Agent™ and immediately and effectively improve your guests’ experience. And do it affordably.
