As December comes to a close, we bid farewell to another year of hospitality hiring. 2024 has been a year of innovation, technological advancements, and a resurgence in travel and leisure. With increased foot traffic, hospitality staffing needs have fluctuated to meet ever-changing demands.
From last-minute call-offs to unexpected understaffing challenges, LGC has been here every step of the way as leaders in hospitality staffing. While there have been hurdles, we have high hopes for the future. Let’s dive into the four biggest trends shaping hospitality staffing in 2025.
The Age of AI: It’s Here to Stay
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries across the board, and hospitality staffing is no exception. At LGC, we’ve embraced AI to streamline hiring and enhance candidate experiences.
Jessica Hawkins, Regional Vice President, explains:
“We’ve used AI to refine resumes for candidates who aren’t tech-savvy but have incredible experience. This includes many in our older workforce with 10-20 years of experience.”
AI isn’t about replacing people; it’s about improving efficiency. Here are two ways your business can leverage AI to enhance hiring practices:
- Crafting Captivating Job Descriptions in Seconds
Want to attract the right candidates? AI can help create targeted job descriptions tailored to your audience. With Gen Z entering the workforce, your business needs to focus on modern, engaging language that reflects your brand values. - Resumé Matching Through Keyword Search
If your business doesn’t use an ATS (Applicant Tracking System), AI tools can analyze resumes for keywords and qualifications. By automating this process, your HR team saves time and identifies top candidates more effectively.
AI capabilities will continue to drive quicker hiring turnaround times in 2025. At LGC, we’re excited to explore new ways to integrate this technology into our staffing solutions.
Hotels Are Back: A Surge in Staffing Needs
Post-COVID travel trends reveal a resurgence in traditional hotel stays. Guests are rediscovering the comfort and convenience of full-service hotels compared to alternatives like Airbnb or VRBO. Travelers are choosing relaxation over chore lists, fueling demand for roles like housekeepers, receptionists, bartenders, and managers.
Elizabeth Tomczak, Regional Vice President, notes:
“Housekeepers remain in high demand. As guests prioritize comfort, hotels must maintain robust staffing to meet expectations.”
This trend is driving growth in the hospitality industry, and your business can expect an increase in hotel staffing requests in 2025.
Prioritizing Quantity Over Quality: The Dangerous Risks of Cheap Staffing Solutions
Choosing low-cost staffing options can backfire. Companies that prioritize cheaper rates often experience higher turnover and face legal risks, especially when using 1099 contractors.
Allyson Whitton, Head of Permanent Placement, warns:
“Clients who prioritize cheap rates often face higher turnover. In contrast, those investing in quality candidates see long-term success.”
Misclassifying workers as independent contractors can result in financial penalties, unpaid wages, and legal liabilities. Several staffing firms went bankrupt in 2024 due to noncompliance, leaving their clients exposed. For 2025, your business must invest in a reliable staffing partner to avoid these pitfalls.
Overcoming the Skills Gap Through Onboarding and Development
The skills gap remains a challenge for hospitality employers, particularly among entry-level workers. Many applicants lack traditional experience or submit blank resumes, but this doesn’t mean they lack potential.
Erin Karim, Executive Vice President, advises:
“We’re seeing more unskilled applicants. The key is focusing on soft skills and providing training to bridge the gap.”
Here’s how your business can overcome this challenge in 2025:
- Skills-Based Hiring: Look for candidates with transferable skills and provide on-the-job training.
- Upskilling and Development: Offer ongoing professional development to foster employee loyalty and retention.
This approach creates a collaborative work environment that benefits both employees and employers, leading to better workplace culture and long-term success.
The Rise of Temp-to-Hire Models
In 2024, temp-to-hire staffing emerged as a preferred hiring model for many clients. This trend allows your business to evaluate new hires’ performance before offering permanent positions.
Kim McGuire, Executive Vice President, shares:
“Temp-to-hire requests have increased. Clients appreciate the trial period to assess how associates fit within their teams.”
At LGC, we’ve seen companies convert temporary employees to full-time after seeing their value firsthand. In 2025, your business can benefit from the temp-to-hire model, fostering a more inclusive hiring process that prioritizes employee fit over traditional resumes.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Hospitality Staffing?
2025 promises to be a transformative year for the hospitality industry, driven by advancements in AI, shifting traveler preferences, and innovative hiring practices. As the workforce evolves with an influx of Gen Z workers, adaptability will be crucial for your business to thrive.
If staffing challenges feel overwhelming, LGC is here to help. From screening and interviewing to employee management, we’ll handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Looking for a trusted staffing partner in 2025? Contact your local LGC branch today and let’s build your team for the future.
Don’t miss the exciting things happening at LGC!
About LGC
Since 2003 LGC has been building connections between businesses with staffing needs and job seekers looking for new opportunities. Our range of solutions includes temporary and permanent placements (and everything in between) for a variety of industries. With offices located nationwide, we can tap into a dynamic pool of talented professionals. We have a passion for creating partnerships that last and work hard every day to ensure both clients and candidates reach their employment goals.
