Every week we comb through the news to find employment trends affecting the hospitality industry so you don’t have to. This week’s topic: how building a stronger sense of community can help aid hospitality recovery.
How Community Can Aid in Hospitality Recovery
A few weeks ago we asked some of LGC’s staffing leaders what a major trend they were expecting to see in the hospitality industry during the last few months of 2021. In addition to trends like adaptability and building defense, one unique trend stood out – building a sense of togetherness in the hospitality industry. Brittany Hunter, VP of client relations had this to say:
“Overall I see and feel a much stronger sense of community present within our industry. I feel as though everyone is still struggling to secure and retain talent, and for the most part all parties are working together to help achieve the best possible result in a way I have never experienced in our industry.
An example is the experience I am having right now at [a clients] tournament. This particular client has never been more kind, understanding, and willing to be flexible with our staff regarding what they can provide them. Their approach has further invested our employees in wanting to show up for them, and they have gone above and beyond in a way I have never seen at this event as a result. Because of this shift, what is a very stressful 2-week tournament every single year has been a much more rewarding process for all and a joy to be a part of – despite all the usual outward challenges still being present.
It feels like a shift of consciousness in our industry is happening and I think it’s a very positive thing! That is the silver lining for me in this crazy time!”
Tips for strengthening your hospitality community
Regardless of what’s going on in the world, we should always be showing kindness to service industry workers (and each other). But the past 18 months in particular have shown us how impactful it can be to lead with compassion. This example from Brittany and her client is just one of many that demonstrate how the industry is coming together to support its workers in a time when it’s needed the most. Here are a couple of ways you can foster a stronger sense of community amongst your team to aid hospitality recovery:
- Regular check ins – find out if anyone has any questions or concerns.
- Give your full-time team a break – partner with a staffing firm (like LGC) to help fulfill your hiring needs.
- Small acts of kindness – find little ways to show you care.
Experts believe that the hospitality recovery won’t occur until 2023 or 2024. As we work towards getting the community we value so much in a better place, leading with compassion and showing hospitality professionals we care is a great way to support the hard workers we rely on.
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LGC can help you fill in open spots on your team on a short-term or permanent basis. Our team of recruiters can help you find great candidates – contact us today to learn more.