Why Is There a Staff Shortage?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many hotel staff were laid off or worked reduced hours. Some were forced out of their roles because their employers downsized or even shut down as travel bans took effect. Other hoteliers have been “rage quitting” in search of better pay and working conditions. As a result, many have decided to move on or try a job in a different field. In fact, about one-third of former hospitality workers won’t return to the industry because they want higher pay, better benefits, and a new work environment in the wake of COVID-19.

The Effects of Staff Shortages in Hotels

Even as most shutdowns have been lifted, many hotels are only operating at partial capacity because of staff shortages. This creates a massive revenue decline for hotels.

With fewer staff members comes reduced maintenance and housekeeping hours, dining options, front desk assistance, and an overall guest experience. With rooms to clean and guests waiting to be checked in, hotel staff don’t have much time to consider revenue management. To make matters worse, when guests have a poor experience, they’re likely to leave a negative review on websites such as TripAdvisor or Google, tell their friends about it, or post on their social media accounts.

However, hotels need to do everything in their power to optimize the returning demand that is now booming in many areas. Luckily, one alternative that hotels can turn to is to outsource a solution.

How In-room Tablets Solve Hotel Staff Shortage Problems

In-room tablets can be an extension of hotel staff. Here are only some of the features of in-room tablets that can help with staff shortages in the hotel industry:

• Fewer front-desk calls. Most in-room tablet software alerts back-end staff when a request is submitted so your front-desk staff aren’t bogged down answering phone calls. Most in-room tablets are also equipped with up-to-date dining menus, protocols, and more to keep guests informed without needing to call the front desk.
• Better feedback generation. A hotel cannot afford to let their guests leave without knowing if they were completely satisfied with their stay. Save time by having your tablet ask for you how a guest’s experience was. Capture any negative feedback quickly to avoid a guest writing publicly about their experience. Otherwise, busy staff at your hotel might not hear them and a negative review on TripAdvisor could appear.
• Increased connection. With the inclusion of staff photos and bios, along with the customization of brand and specific facility information, in-room tablets serve to remind guests that there is a human element working for their comfort and safety, even if there are fewer humans working at your hotel. Real-time chat messaging and quick responses to requests ensure that guests and staff can be in constant communication if they desire.
• More in-room activities. Allow your guests to enjoy games, streaming, and even workouts in the comfort of their own room. This eliminates or reduces the need for common game rooms, activity centers, and fitness areas to be cleaned or even staffed as often.