Industry Can Be Part of the Staff Shortage Solution
For too long, many hospitality businesses have looked at staff shortages the wrong way.
The first question is often, “Do they have experience?”
But maybe the better question should be, “Do they have the right attitude and are we prepared to train them properly?”
There are many local people who want an opportunity. They may not have years of experience. They may not know how to make every coffee, carry three plates, use a till or handle a busy service straight away. But with the right training, patience, mentoring and a positive workplace, they can become loyal, long term employees who grow with the business.
That is where industry can be part of the solution.
Instead of always looking for ready made staff, businesses need to help create them.
Relying heavily on overseas workers on working holiday visas may fill a short term gap, but it does not always build a long term workforce. Many are only here for four or five months before moving on. Some do a great job, but the reality is that short term employment often means businesses are constantly starting again, retraining again, and hoping the next person stays long enough to make a difference.
That does not solve the staff shortage. It keeps the cycle going.
Hospitality needs people who understand the business, the customers, the local community and the standards expected. That takes time. It takes training. It takes leadership. It takes workplaces willing to invest in people, not just roster them on and hope for the best.
There are young people, unemployed people, school students, career changers and locals who could become excellent workers if they are given the chance. Many simply need confidence, structure, practical skills and a workplace that does not give up on them after one mistake.
Businesses also need to stop saying “no one wants to work” while only advertising for people with experience. Everyone starts somewhere. The experienced workers that businesses want today were once beginners too.
With the right training provider, industry can help build job ready locals who understand customer service, hygiene, communication, punctuality, workplace expectations and practical hospitality skills. But training must be real. It cannot be tick and flick. It must prepare people for the pressure, pace and standards of real workplaces.
A positive workplace also matters. Staff are more likely to stay when they feel supported, respected and valued. If people are trained properly, given feedback, encouraged and shown a future, they are more likely to become long-term employees.
The staff shortage will not be fixed by waiting for perfect workers to walk through the door.
It will be fixed when industry, training providers and communities work together to build the workforce from the ground up.
The solution is already here.
Train locals. Back beginners. Build confidence. Create loyalty.
That is how industry can stop chasing short term fixes and start creating long term staff.