There are a number of reasons why the hospitality industry is facing a huge manpower crunch post-COVID-19:
Mass layoffs during the pandemic: The pandemic caused a sharp decline in travel and tourism, forcing many hospitality businesses to lay off employees. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the global travel and tourism industry lost 62 million jobs in 2020.
Workers moving to other industries: Many hospitality workers who were laid off during the pandemic found jobs in other industries, such as retail and healthcare. These industries often offer more stable employment and better pay and benefits.
Safety concerns: Some workers are hesitant to return to the hospitality industry due to concerns about their safety and health. The hospitality industry is a front-line industry, which means that workers are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19.
Changing travel trends: The pandemic has also led to changes in travel trends. For example, more people are now choosing to travel domestically or take shorter, more frequent trips. This has made it more difficult for hospitality businesses to predict demand and staff their businesses accordingly.
The manpower crunch in the hospitality industry is a global problem. However, it is particularly acute in some countries, such as India and the United States. In India, for example, the hospitality industry is facing a shortage of around 350,000 workers.
The manpower crunch in the hospitality industry is having a number of negative consequences. For example, it is leading to longer wait times, reduced service levels, and higher prices for consumers. It is also making it difficult for hospitality businesses to operate efficiently and profitably.
The hospitality industry is taking a number of steps to address the manpower crunch. For example, businesses are offering higher wages and benefits, providing more training and development opportunities, and creating more flexible work schedules. Businesses are also working with governments and educational institutions to develop programs to attract and retain workers.
It is unclear how long the manpower crunch in the hospitality industry will last. However, it is likely to continue for some time as the industry recovers from the pandemic and travel trends continue to evolve.