Solving the Labor Equation: Smarter, Practical Ways to Reduce Strain Today
Key Takeaways for Hotel Operators
1. Hospitality labor shortages are structural, not temporary, requiring operators to redesign workflows, not just increase staffing.
2. The most effective way to reduce labor strain is workflow optimization—eliminating steps, standardizing processes, and simplifying how work is performed.
3. Technology, automation, and supplier partnerships help reduce labor costs, improve efficiency, and maintain service levels without increasing headcount.
Labor challenges in hospitality aren’t new—but the nature of today’s pressure is different. Staffing shortages, rising wage costs, and heightened guest expectations have converged to create what many operators now recognize as a structural shift.
At Avendra International’s recent webinar, “Solving the Labor Equation: Smarter Ways to Reduce Strain Now,” industry leaders shared a clear message: the path forward isn’t about waiting for labor markets to normalize—it’s about rethinking how work gets done.
Molly Preston, SVP, Procurement, Pyramid Global Hospitality
Eleanor Waddell, VP, Strategic Growth & Business Development, Avendra International
Matthew Judge, Senior Director, Facilities Program Development, Aramark
Brady Young, Senior Manager, Facilities Program Development, Aramark
Here are the key insights and actionable strategies operators can start applying right now.
From Labor Shortage to Labor Transformation
Today’s environment represents a reset in how hospitality operates.
A combination of pandemic-driven workforce changes, evolving employee expectations, and rapid technological advancement has permanently reshaped labor dynamics. The result? Operators must move from reactive hiring strategies to intentional labor transformation.
That transformation centers on three priorities:
Building and retaining an engaged workforce
Redesigning workflows to reduce strain
Leveraging technology and partner expertise to work smarter
Why Workflow Optimization Matters More Than Hiring in Hospitality
One of the most impactful takeaways: Reducing labor strain starts with simplifying the way work happens.
Rather than focusing solely on adding staff, leading operators are:
Eliminating unnecessary steps
Standardizing processes and tools
Designing roles that are easier to execute consistently
This shift toward workflow optimization allows teams to maintain service levels—even with leaner staffing models.
Three Practical Ways to Reduce Labor Strain Today
Real-world examples from leading hospitality portfolios show how targeted changes can drive immediate impact:
1. Simplify Operations with Smart Equipment
Introducing intuitive, standardized equipment can dramatically reduce training time and labor intensity.
Example:
High-speed cooking technology allows properties to expand menu offerings without adding kitchen complexity or additional cooks
Multilingual, programmable systems reduce reliance on highly specialized labor and speed up onboarding
Impact:
Faster service
Reduced labor costs
Greater consistency across teams
2. Eliminate Manual, High-Risk Tasks
Labor strain often hides in repetitive, undesirable tasks that also pose safety risks.
Example:
Automated oil management systems remove the need for manual handling of hot oil
Built-in recycling and monitoring improve safety, quality, and sustainability
Impact:
Less labor burden
Reduced risk and workplace incidents
Improved product consistency
3. Rethink When Work Gets Done
Sometimes, the solution isn’t what gets done—but when.
Example:
Shifting heavy cleaning tasks to overnight teams or partners
Creating structured handoffs between shifts
Impact:
Reduced pressure during peak hours
Improved consistency in guest-facing operations
Less fatigue for day-shift teams
How Technology and Automation Reduce Labor in Hospitality
Technology continues to play an increasingly powerful role—but the focus has shifted from innovation for its own sake to measurable operational impact.
Sensor-based (IoT) solutions are helping operators:
Prevent equipment failures before they happen
Protect food safety through real-time monitoring
Optimize cleaning through demand-based data
Avoid costly damage from issues like water leaks
Key advantage: These tools provide real-time insights that enable immediate action, often without disrupting guest experience.
In many cases, properties are seeing:
Faster response times
Significant cost avoidance
Reduced manual checks and compliance burden
Solving Retention Starts with the Work Itself
While attracting talent remains a challenge, retaining it depends largely on the day-to-day employee experience.
Top-performing organizations are treating retention as an operational strategy by:
Reducing friction in roles through better tools and processes
Investing in ongoing training and career growth
Giving managers time to lead—not just manage tasks
Designing jobs that are sustainable and supportive
The reality is simple: people don’t leave because work is hard—they leave when it feels unsustainable.
Expanding the Talent Pool Creatively
Finding talent requires thinking beyond traditional channels. Operators are successfully tapping into:
Hospitality and hotel associations with training and apprenticeship programs
Colleges and community colleges with hospitality pipelines
Seasonal workforce programs like the H-2B visa program
Industry partnerships that provide access to broader labor networks
The key is leveraging available resources and building long-term talent pipelines, not just filling immediate gaps.
You Don’t Have to Solve It Alone
A recurring theme throughout the discussion: Partnership is a force multiplier.
From equipment providers to service partners to technology innovators, suppliers bring:
Deep research and development expertise
Proven solutions from across the industry
Implementation and training support
Moving from vendor relationships to true partnerships enables faster, smarter decisions—and better outcomes.
Start Small, Move Fast
If there’s one takeaway operators should act on immediately, it’s this:
SOLVING THE LABOR EQUATION: SMARTER, PRACTICAL WAYS TO REDUCE STRAIN TODAY
FAQs
What is the most effective way to reduce labor shortages in hospitality?
The most effective way to reduce labor shortages is to optimize workflows—eliminating unnecessary steps, standardizing processes, and using technology or automation to simplify tasks. This reduces reliance on additional staffing while maintaining service levels.
How can hotels reduce labor costs without impacting guest experience?
Hotels can reduce labor costs by using smart equipment, automating repetitive tasks, and shifting work to off-peak hours. These changes improve efficiency and consistency while allowing staff to focus on guest-facing interactions.
What role does technology play in hospitality labor management?
Technology, especially sensor-based (IoT) solutions, helps monitor operations in real time, prevent equipment failures, optimize cleaning schedules, and reduce manual work. This improves productivity and lowers operational costs.
