Retaining Hospitality Workers in the Highlands
Staff shortages in the Highland hospitality industry, like many regions, have reached a critical point, exacerbated by post-pandemic shifts, Brexit, and the seasonal nature of tourism in the area. Employers in hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality services face an ongoing struggle to find and retain employees, which threatens service quality and business sustainability. Tackling this issue requires creative and targeted strategies to not only fill positions but also inspire and retain key workers.
Addressing the Issue: Why Staff Shortages Persist
One of the major contributors to the staffing crisis is the hospitality sector's historically challenging working conditions. Long hours, low wages, limited job security, and lack of career progression have long been cited as reasons for high employee turnover. In the Highlands, where tourism is highly seasonal, this issue is intensified by the peaks and troughs in demand, leading to further uncertainty in employment(MDPI)(McKinsey & Company).
Another factor is the migration of talent, as many skilled workers leave the region for urban centers or more lucrative sectors. Brexit has also played a role by reducing the influx of workers from the EU, further straining the local labor market(MDPI).
Solutions for Inspiring and Retaining Key Workers
To address these challenges, hospitality businesses in the Highlands must adopt innovative strategies that go beyond traditional recruitment. Here are a few effective solutions:
Flexible and Agile Staffing Models: By adopting activity-based staffing, employers can better match staffing needs to real-time demand rather than relying on outdated weekly averages. This model allows for more flexible scheduling, which can greatly improve work-life balance—a key factor in employee satisfaction and retention. Hotels, for example, could assign staff based on check-ins and check-outs rather than occupancy averages, thereby optimizing labor hours and reducing unnecessary staffing costs(McKinsey & Company).
Redesigning Job Roles: Cross-training employees to handle multiple roles not only increases operational efficiency but also provides staff with opportunities for skill development and career progression. Combining roles such as housekeeping and front-desk duties or enabling staff to take on supervisory roles can empower employees to grow within the company, leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover (McKinsey & Company).
Improving Working Conditions: Adopting a "Fair and Decent Work Agenda" can help improve working conditions across the sector. This includes offering competitive wages, promoting job security, and ensuring fair treatment of workers. Offering benefits like housing support, particularly in rural Highland areas where accommodation may be scarce or expensive, could also be an effective retention tool(MDPI).
Creating Job Networks Across Properties: Where businesses own multiple properties, networking staff across sites can improve resource allocation while giving employees a broader experience and more variety in their day-to-day roles. For instance, a hotel group could pool management and specialized staff, allowing employees to work across different locations based on peak demand(McKinsey & Company).
Inspiring and Retaining Through Culture
Finally, fostering a strong workplace culture can play a key role in retaining employees. Implementing staff progression programs that align with the values of the company, like the Clan Rebel Yell system (mentioned in previous discussions), can give employees a sense of belonging and achievement. This sense of pride and ownership is particularly important in an industry where staff often feel undervalued.
In summary, addressing staffing shortages in the Highlands requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving working conditions, embracing flexibility in staffing, and offering meaningful opportunities for employee growth. By focusing on both the operational and human aspects of the hospitality industry, businesses can create an environment that attracts and retains talented staff, even in challenging regions like the Highlands.