Adaptability is key to success in hospitality. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through flexible staffing solutions. This approach allows hospitality establishments to respond swiftly to fluctuating demand, maintain high service standards, and manage costs effectively. Let’s explore the top considerations and benefits of hiring flexible hospitality staffing.
1. Demand fluctuation management
One of the primary considerations for flexible staffing in the hospitality industry is the ability to manage demand fluctuations effectively. The seasonal nature and unpredictable peaks and troughs in business volume means hospitality establishments need to scale their workforce up or down quickly in response to changes in demand. By having access to a pool of trained, flexible staff, hospitality establishments can ensure they have the right number of employees on hand at any given time.
The benefit of this approach is twofold. Firstly, it allows hospitality establishments to maintain high service standards even during unexpected surges in demand, ensuring customer satisfaction and potentially driving repeat business. Secondly, it helps control labour costs by avoiding overstaffing during quieter periods, which can significantly impact the bottom line in an industry with typically tight profit margins.
2. Skill diversity and specialisation
Another key consideration is the access to a diverse range of skills and specialisations that flexible staffing can provide. From front-of-house positions like receptionists and waitrons to back-of-house roles such as chefs and housekeepers, each position requires specific skills and expertise, and the needs of a business can change rapidly based on events, seasonality, or changes in service offerings.
Flexible staffing solutions often provide access to a pool of employees with varied skills and experiences. This means that hospitality establishments can quickly bring in specialists for specific tasks or events without the need for long-term commitments.
The benefit of this skill diversity is the ability to enhance service quality and expand offerings without the need for extensive training or permanent hiring. It allows hospitality establishments to be more responsive to customer needs and market trends, potentially opening up new revenue streams or improving customer satisfaction.
3. Cost-effectiveness
Traditional staffing models often involve fixed labour costs, regardless of business volume. This can lead to inefficiencies, with hospitality establishments either understaffed during peak times or carrying excess labour costs during slower periods.
Flexible staffing allows for a more precise alignment of labour costs with revenue. By bringing in additional staff only when needed, hospitality establishments can maintain a lean core team and supplement it as demand requires. This approach can lead to substantial savings on fixed labour costs, including benefits, insurance, and training for full-time employees.
Flexible staffing can also reduce overtime costs, which can quickly accumulate due to long and often unpredictable hours. Instead of asking full-time staff to work extra hours at premium rates, hospitality establishments can bring in flexible employees to cover additional shifts at standard rates.
The benefit here is clear: improved profitability through better cost management. By optimising their labour force in line with demand, hospitality establishments can ensure they’re not overspending on labour while still maintaining the capacity to deliver excellent service.
4. Reduced administrative burden
Recruitment, onboarding, payroll, scheduling, and compliance with labour laws can consume significant time and resources, especially in an industry with high turnover rates.
Flexible staffing solutions, particularly when working with a staffing agency, can significantly reduce this administrative load. These agencies typically handle the recruitment, vetting, and initial training of staff. They also manage payroll, statutory deductions, and ensure compliance with relevant labour laws and regulations.
The benefit for hospitality establishments is twofold. Firstly, it frees up management time to focus on core business activities, such as improving guest experiences or developing new service offerings. Secondly, it reduces the risk of non-compliance with complex and often changing labour regulations, which can result in costly penalties if not managed correctly.
5. Enhanced flexibility for employees
While much of the focus is often on the benefits to the business, it’s important to consider the impact on employees as well. Many employees in the hospitality industry, particularly younger generations or those with other commitments, value flexibility in their work arrangements.
Flexible staffing models can offer this desired flexibility, allowing employees to choose shifts that fit around their other commitments, whether that’s study, family responsibilities, or even other jobs. This can lead to a more engaged and satisfied workforce, which in turn can result in better service delivery.
The benefit for hospitality establishments is access to a wider talent pool, including high-quality employees who might not be available for traditional full-time roles. It can also lead to improved employee satisfaction and reduced turnover, which is particularly valuable in an industry known for its high attrition rates.
6. Trialling talent for permanent roles
Flexible staffing can serve as an effective ‘try before you buy’ system for permanent roles. In the hospitality industry, where personality and cultural fit are as important as technical skills, this can be invaluable.
By bringing in staff on a flexible basis initially, hospitality establishments have the opportunity to assess their performance, work ethic, and fit with the team in real-world situations. If a flexible employee performs exceptionally well and aligns with the company culture, they can be offered a permanent position. This approach reduces the risk and cost associated with making a bad hire.
7. Business continuity and risk management
Whether due to illness, personal emergencies, or simply no-shows, unexpected staff absences can leave hospitality establishments scrambling to maintain service levels.
Flexible staffing provides a ready solution to this problem. With access to a pool of trained, flexible employees, hospitality establishments can quickly fill gaps in their rosters, ensuring continuity of service even in challenging circumstances.
Working with a specialised hospitality staffing provider
While flexible staffing offers numerous benefits, these can be maximised by partnering with a specialised hospitality staffing provider like Zest.
A specialised provider will have a pool of employees who are not only skilled in their roles but also understand the importance of customer service in the hospitality industry. They will be familiar with industry standards and expectations, requiring less on-the-job training and able to hit the ground running.
At Zest, our goal is to become a true partner in your business success. We take the time to understand your specific needs, culture, and goals, ensuring that the flexible staff we provide are not just technically competent, but also a suitable fit for your organisation.