Navigating the New Norm: Adapting Recruitment Strategies in Post-Pandemic Hospitality

The COVID-19 pandemic left an indelible mark on the hospitality industry, reshaping not only the way businesses operate, but also their staffing needs.

The world has emerged from the grips of the pandemic, however, hospitality businesses continue to face challenges in recruiting and retaining talent.

Why? Ask anyone on the street and you’ll likely get a different answer.

If you read on, we’ll walk you through how the pandemic has transformed the hospitality industry's staffing landscape and discuss effective recruitment strategies for navigating the post-pandemic era.

Shifts in Staffing Needs Post-Pandemic

Flexibility and Adaptability: The pandemic has underscored the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the hospitality workforce. Businesses need staff who can quickly pivot to meet changing demands, whether it's adjusting to fluctuating occupancy rates, implementing new health and safety protocols or embracing digital technologies for contactless service.

Focus on Health and Safety: With health and safety concerns at the forefront of travelers' minds, hospitality businesses are placing a heightened emphasis on recruiting staff who prioritize cleanliness, hygiene and compliance with safety protocols. Candidates who demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a safe environment for guests and colleagues are highly sought after.

Digital Literacy: The accelerated adoption of technology during the pandemic has made digital literacy an essential skill for hospitality employees. From online booking systems and contactless check-ins to virtual concierge services, businesses are seeking tech-savvy staff who can navigate digital tools and platforms with ease.

Effective Recruitment Strategies for the Post-Pandemic Era

Embrace Remote Hiring and Onboarding: Remote work has become more prevalent across industries during the pandemic, and hospitality is no exception. Embracing remote hiring and onboarding processes allows businesses to cast a wider net and attract talent from diverse geographic locations. Virtual interviews, online assessments and digital training modules can streamline the recruitment and onboarding process while ensuring safety and efficiency.

Highlight Health and Safety Protocols: In job postings and recruitment materials, emphasize your organization's commitment to health and safety. While we have moved beyond social distancing requirements, the pandemic underscored a need to be aware of germ spreading in general. Highlight the measures you've implemented to protect both guests and employees, such as enhanced cleaning procedures. Communicating a strong culture of safety can attract candidates who prioritize their well-being and that of others.

Leverage Technology for Talent Acquisition: Harness the power of technology to streamline the recruitment process and reach qualified candidates efficiently. Utilize job boards, social media platforms and professional networking sites to advertise job openings and connect with potential hires.

Partner With a Staffing Firm: Bring in the experts. Partner with a staffing agency, like The Lee Group, that can reach into its database of potential employees to help fill your job openings temporarily, for a season or in a permanent position.

Offer Flexible Work Arrangements: Incorporate flexibility into your staffing model by offering a mix of full-time, part-time and gig opportunities. Flexible scheduling options, remote work arrangements, and alternative work arrangements such as job sharing or compressed workweeks, can appeal to a broader pool of candidates with diverse needs and preferences.

Invest in Training and Development: Prioritize training and development initiatives to upskill existing employees and attract top talent. Offer opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Investing in employee development not only enhances staff performance but also strengthens loyalty and retention.