How to retain employees in the hotel industry – unique tips to help reduce staff turnover

Updated on 7 August 2023

Did you know that the hotel industry has one of the highest staff turnover rates? In fact, it’s estimated that more than 50% of all employees in the hotel industry leave their jobs within the first year. This is a huge problem, as high staff turnover can lead to a number of negative consequences for your business. But how to retain employees in the hotel industry?

 
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In this article, we will explore why hotel staff turnover is so high and the root causes of low employee retention rate in hotels. We will then discuss some unique tips to help retain hotel staff and make your working environment happier for everyone involved!

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Hotel employee retention rate

The average staff retention rate in the UK is approximately 70%. However, the staff retention rate in the hotel industry is much lower – approximately 50%.

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One of the main reasons for high staff turnover in the hotel industry is that it can be a very demanding and challenging work environment. Hotel employees are often required to work long hours, weekends, and holidays.

They also have to deal with difficult guests and handle stressful situations on a regular basis. In addition, many hotels offer low wages and limited opportunities for advancement. As a result, it’s not surprising that so many hotel employees decide to leave their jobs each year.

Understanding the root causes of high staff turnover in hotel businesses

If you want to reduce staff turnover in your hotel business, it’s important to understand the root causes of low employee retention rate. Once you know what is causing your employees to leave, you can take steps to address those issues – this will help you tackle how to retain employees in the hotel industry.

Here are some of the most common reasons for low employee retention in hotels:

Low wages

Many hotel employees are paid low wages, which can be a major motivation for leaving. If you want to retain your staff, it’s important to offer competitive salaries.

Limited opportunities for advancement

Most hotel employees have limited opportunities for advancement, which can lead to feelings of stagnation and frustration. If you want to keep your employees motivated, it’s important to offer opportunities for growth and development.

Demanding work schedule

As we mentioned earlier, hotel employees often have to work long hours, weekends, and holidays. This can be a major source of stress and can lead to burnout. If you want to reduce staff turnover, it’s important to create a more balanced work schedule.

Difficult guests

Dealing with difficult guests is one of the most challenging aspects of working in the hotel industry. If you want to retain your employees, it’s important to create a system for handling difficult guests.

Stressful working environment

The hotel industry can be a very stressful place to work. If you want to create a more positive working environment, it’s important to address the sources of stress in your business.

How to retain hotel staff

Once you understand the root causes of low employee retention rate, you can take steps to improve the situation. Here are some tips for retaining your hotel staff:

Offer competitive salaries

As we mentioned earlier, one of the main reasons for high staff turnover is low wages. If you want to keep your employees, it’s important to offer competitive salaries.

Offer opportunities for growth and development

Many hotel employees are looking for opportunities for advancement. If you want to keep your employees motivated, it’s important to offer opportunities for growth and development.

Create a more balanced work schedule

As we mentioned earlier, one of the main reasons for staff turnover is the demanding work schedule. If you want to reduce staff turnover, it’s important to create a more balanced work schedule.

Address the sources of stress

The hotel industry can be a very stressful place to work. If you want to create a more positive working environment, it’s important to address the sources of stress in your business.

By taking these steps, you can reduce staff turnover and create a more positive working environment for your employees. These tips will help you retain your hotel staff and keep them motivated.

How to understand the mindset of your hotel employees

One of the best ways to retain your hotel employees is to understand their mindset. If you can understand what motivates them and what stresses them out, you can take steps to address those issues. Here are some tips for understanding the mindset of your hotel employees:

Talk to them openly and honestly

The best way to understand your employees is to talk to them openly and honestly. Ask them how they’re feeling, what their goals are, and what stresses them out. By having an open dialogue, you can get a better understanding of their mindset.

Observe their behavior

Another way to understand your employees is to observe their behavior. Watch how they interact with guests, co-workers, and management. By observing their behavior, you can get a better understanding of their mindset.

Use tools like surveys and questionnaires

You can also use tools like surveys and questionnaires to understand the mindset of your employees. This approach is less personal than talking to them directly, but it can still be effective in getting a sense of their mindset.

Talk to their co-workers

Another great way to understand your employees is to talk to their co-workers. Ask them what the working environment is like, what their goals are, and how they feel about the company. By talking to their co-workers, you can get a better understanding of their mindset.

How to tell whether your hotel staff are happy and motivated

One of the best ways to retain your hotel employees is to make sure they’re happy and motivated. If you can create a positive working environment, you’ll be more likely to keep your employees. Here are some signs that your hotel staff are happy and motivated:

  • They’re always smiling and greeting guests: If your hotel staff are happy, they’ll be sure to always smile and greet guests. This is a good sign that they enjoy their job and are motivated to do their best.
  • They’re always willing to help: Staff that are satisfied at work are more likely to assist visitors and coworkers. This is a positive indicator that they like their job and want to give their best.
  • They’re always trying to improve: If your employees are satisfied, they’ll be constantly attempting to advance their abilities. This is a good indicator that they’re enthusiastic about improving and developing as professionals.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good indication that your hotel staff are happy and motivated. By keeping your employees happy and motivated, you’ll be more likely to retain them for the long haul.

How to handle demotivated hotel staff

If you have employees who seem demotivated, there are a few things you can do to help them get back on track. Here are some tips for handling demotivated hotel staff:

Talk to them about their goals

One of the best ways to motivate someone is to talk to them about their goals. Ask them about their long-term goals and what they hope to achieve. By talking to them about their goals, you can help re-engage them in their work.

Help them find new challenges

Another way to motivate someone is to help them find new challenges. If your employees feel like they’re stuck in a rut, help them find new challenges to keep them engaged.

Encourage them to take breaks

Sometimes, the best way to motivate someone is to encourage them to take a break. If your employees are feeling stressed or burned out, encourage them to take a few minutes to relax and rejuvenate.

By motivating your employees, you’ll be more likely to retain them for the long haul.

Conclusion

By taking these steps, you can create a positive working environment that will help you retain your hotel employees. By understanding your employees’ mindset, you can motivate them and keep them happy and engaged. By working on these things, you can reduce staff turnover and create a successful hotel business.

Reviewed by , Managing Director

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