The Top 8 Hospitality Hiring Trends for 2024

As a hiring manager in the hospitality industry, you understand the level of competition involved. It's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest hiring trends to stay ahead and attract top talent.

In this blog post, we'll explore the most impactful strategies for 2024 that are reshaping the industry. From the increasing importance of digital recruitment to the growing emphasis on employee well-being, we will provide insights and actionable tips to help you stay ahead of competitors in this fast-paced industry.

As a hiring manager, you are critical in shaping your organization's success. By staying up-to-date with the latest hiring trends, you can attract top talent, build a strong team, and achieve your business goals.

So, let's dive into the top trends in hospitality hiring for 2024 and equip you with the knowledge and tools to excel in your role.

Emphasis on Soft Skills

Gone are the days when technical skills were the only thing that mattered in hospitality hiring. In 2024, employers are emphasizing soft skills like communication, problem-solving, empathy, and teamwork. 

Hospitality is all about creating memorable experiences for guests, and it requires professionals who can connect with clients personally. 

Technology Skills

In 2024, hospitality businesses will continue adopting technology to streamline operations and enhance the guest experience. As a result, the use of technology has become critical in the hospitality industry, and professionals with technology skills will be in high demand.

With more guests relying on technology for bookings, orders, and reservations, hospitality businesses will require professionals who can easily navigate technology. 

Proficiency in customer relationship management software, revenue management systems, and online booking platforms are essential for hospitality professionals.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion have become buzzwords across industries, and the hospitality industry is no exception. Employers continue to focus on diversity and inclusion in their hiring processes. They look for professionals who can provide unique perspectives and experiences to create a welcoming environment for guests from all walks of life. 

Hospitality businesses will prioritize hiring professionals from diverse backgrounds, including ethnicity, gender, age, and sexual orientation.

Remote Work

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trend of remote work in the hospitality industry. In 2024, more hospitality businesses will continue offering their employees remote work opportunities.

Remote work provides flexibility and work-life balance, making it an attractive option for professionals in the hospitality industry. In addition, hospitality businesses can leverage technology to allow employees to work remotely, reducing overhead costs and increasing productivity.

Upskilling and Reskilling

The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and professionals must keep up with the changes to remain relevant. In 2024, employers will emphasize upskilling and reskilling their employees.

Upskilling refers to training employees in new skills, while reskilling refers to training employees in a new area. The hospitality industry will require professionals who can adapt to technological changes, customer preferences, and industry trends. Therefore, employers will invest in training programs focusing on leadership, management, communication, and technology to upskill and reskill their employees. 

Digital Recruitment

In 2024, hospitality businesses will continue to rely on digital recruitment to attract and hire top talent. The use of digital recruitment methods has become essential in the hospitality industry, especially in a post-pandemic world.

In addition, job seekers are increasingly turning to online platforms to search for job opportunities, and hospitality businesses must adapt to this trend to remain competitive in the hiring market.

Digital recruitment methods include online job postings, social media recruitment, and virtual career fairs. In addition, hospitality businesses can use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to promote job openings and reach a wider audience.

Virtual career fairs are also becoming popular, providing a cost-effective and efficient way to connect with job seekers worldwide.

Employee Well-Being

Employee well-being has become a top priority for hospitality businesses. The hospitality industry is known for its demanding and fast-paced environment, and employers recognize the importance of supporting their employees' physical and mental health. 

Hospitality businesses can support their employees' well-being by offering wellness programs, flexible work schedules, and mental health support.

Wellness programs can include activities like yoga, meditation, and exercise classes. Flexible work schedules can provide employees with a better work-life balance, reducing stress and burnout. In addition, mental health support can include counseling services and resources to help employees manage stress and anxiety.

Putting These Hiring Trends Into Practice

Learning about hospitality hiring trends can be helpful, but what's the best way to put them into practice in real life? For example, let's say you're an employee from a Denver staffing agency, and you've been assigned to recruit for a hotel that wants to improve its diversity and inclusion efforts.

To address this trend, you would prioritize sourcing candidates from various backgrounds, including those traditionally underrepresented in the industry. This could include attending job fairs focused on diversity and partnering with community organizations that support diverse job seekers.

You would also ensure that the job descriptions and application process are inclusive, free of discriminatory language, and accessible to everyone.

Additionally, this hotel has recently implemented a new customer relationship management software to enhance the guest experience. To address the trend of technology skills, you would focus on sourcing candidates proficient in using this specific software or with experience with similar systems.

You would also assess candidates' comfort with technology and ability to quickly adapt to new tools and platforms. By focusing on these skills, you could ensure that the candidates you present to the hotel can meet the business's technology needs and provide excellent service to guests.

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up, it's evident that the hospitality industry is transforming, and it's exciting to witness these changes. The trends we've discussed, from the emphasis on soft skills to technology adoption, are just the beginning.

By keeping up with the latest trends and continuously adapting, you'll be well-equipped to succeed in this dynamic industry. So, gear up and get ready to make the most of the opportunities in 2024 and beyond!

Updated 1/2/2024