Hospital industry\’s hiring crisis hits record highs
Hospitality Jobs Rising, but Staffing Shortages Persist
Earlier this year, the U.S. leisure and hospitality sector added 16.99 million positions, surpassing its 2020 peak. Yet the recovery is uneven: job growth in arts and recreation (+197.7 k) contrasts with a decline in accommodation and food services (‑93.9 k).
Key HR Trends
- Higher Pay: Average hourly wages climbed from $16.84 to $22.53, outpacing inflation by 8.6%.
- Rising Labor Costs: 92% of operators report increasing wages, 74% view it as a major challenge.
- Understaffing Crisis: 67% of hotels lack staff, 45% of restaurants struggle to fill positions, 12% of hotels face closure risks.
- Tech Adoption: 80% believe technology aids hiring, yet only 15% see measurable improvement. Automation integration speeds hiring and boosts retention.
- Upskilling Gap: 65% of applicants consider career development vital, yet less than half of employers match these expectations. 47% offer education perks, 93% of workers use tuition assistance, and 76% say it influenced job acceptance.
Recruitment Strategies
Social media use tops the industry’s most effective approach, with 60% of HR professionals citing it as the best method for attracting talent. Operators must shift focus to flexible, career-building opportunities to stand out.
Retention Outlook
Providing education support could reduce turnover by 20–40%, compared to the current 70–80% rate, indicating an urgent need for strategic talent development plans.
