White paper: Work force management software eases staffing shortages
The special report offers practical tips for tackling key industry challenges
By Vishnu Rageev RSep 10, 2023
WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE can help hotels better deal their reduced workforce, according to a white paper from Unifocus. The paper examines the persistent labor shortage in the hotel industry, while outlining strategies for operators to adapt for sustained efficiency and profitability.
The white paper, titled 'The hotelier’s definitive guide to success amid staffing shortages,' offers strategies for cost control, optimizing staffing, and reducing turnover to create a sustainable and predictable operational framework, Unifocus said in a statement. It gives insights into lessons drawn from the gig economy, strategies for upholding service excellence with fewer available workers, and means to assess the sustained advantages of these approaches.
Roughly 92 percent of hotels experiencing staffing shortages despite job growth in the second quarter of 2023, Unifocus said.
"The current challenges in the hospitality labor market are real, but they're not insurmountable,” said Moneesh Arora, chief executive of Unifocus. “With this white paper, we're providing the roadmap not only to navigate these challenges but to thrive together as an industry."
The study provides new approaches for attracting and retaining talent in light of advancing technology, which simplifies hotels' adjustment to shifting trends in worker scheduling and communication, Unifocus said.
"Implementing workforce management technology for scheduling has allowed us to accurately staff our hotel based on guest demand," said Bryton Plush, assistant director of finance at the Turtle Bay Resort. "This has led to a more equitable distribution of workloads across the property. These changes have improved our hotel's work environment and had a positive impact on our business. The technology also aids in cost control and the establishment of consistent labor standards. Thanks to this system, our staffing can adapt dynamically to business demand."
In June, the American Hotel & Lodging Association conducted a survey indicating that over 80 percent of hotels dealt with staffing shortages. This led hoteliers to provide various incentives to attract potential hires. Among the survey respondents, 82 percent noted a staffing shortage, with 26 percent experiencing significant operational impact. Housekeeping emerged as the most pressing staffing need, cited by 40 percent as their top priority for hiring.
Sonesta launched Americas Best Value Studios, an extended-stay version of ABVI.
The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping.
The brand meets demand for longer-term, value-focused stays.
SONESTA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS Corp. launched Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta, an extended-stay version of its franchised brand, Americas Best Value Inn. The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping, optional fitness center and lobby market along with standard brand requirements.
The brand aims to address the growing demand for longer-term, value-driven accommodations, Sonesta said in a statement.
"Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta represents a strategic evolution of our trusted Americas Best Value Inn brand," Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s executive vice president and president of franchise development, said. "We are expanding our offerings to directly address the increasing demand within the extended-stay segment, providing a practical solution for travelers seeking longer-term lodging at value. This new brand type allows our local franchised owner-operators to tap into a growing market while maintaining the community-focused experience that Americas Best Value Inn is known for."
ABVI has a majority presence in secondary and tertiary markets, the statement said.
The extended-stay brand’s operational model features a front desk, bi-weekly housekeeping, on-site laundry and pet-friendly accommodations, Sonesta said. Guests can also earn or redeem points through the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.
In August, Sonesta named Stayntouch its preferred property management system after a two-year review of its ability to support the company’s franchise model. The company operates more than 1,100 properties with more than 100,000 rooms across 13 brands on three continents.
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