Why hospitality leaders are turning to technology to retain staff

Two in five currently have a digital solution to retain staff.

Technology is helping hospitality with staffing-related challenges, with two in five business leaders currently utilising a digital solution to help retain staff, according to the latest Business Confidence Survey by CGA NIQ and Fourth.

The poll revealed that of those who are not currently using a digital solution to help retain staff, 31% are planning to invest in one over the next 12 months. The report revealed that staff retention is the joint highest selection when it comes to where leaders are planning further investment in technology over the next 12 months, along with waste reduction. 

These are ahead of leaders using tech to help with cost inflation (19%), employee legislation compliance (18%) and stock availability (11%).

Broken down further, the data reveals that 23% of leaders believe that staff scheduling and rota management would be the primary areas of their business that would benefit from further investment in tech. This is closely followed by the likes of supplier management (22%), inventory management (17%) and employee on-boarding (15%).
 
The Business Confidence Survey emphasises the importance of technology across all areas of hospitality. Half (49%) of leaders say they plan to increase their spending on tech over the next 12 months, making it the third biggest priority after staff training and site expansion. Shortages of budget, time and in-house skills are the three main barriers facing those who are not currently investing.
 
The research from CGA and Fourth also reveals widespread interest in AI-powered solutions. The data indicates that 51% of leaders believe it can have a medium-level impact on their day-to-day operations, while 5% believe it will have a high impact. The remainder (44%) expect no or minimal impact from the implementation of AI-powered solutions.

According to Sebastien Sepierre, EMEA managing director at Fourth, the results of the survey show that hospitality leaders are looking for ways to relieve operational pressures in the current economic climate, whilst also protecting the customer experience. 

It’s clear that operators see technology as a solution to mitigate staff shortages, maximise available resources and reduce the admin burden on managers, with respondents identifying that their businesses would benefit most from additional investment in staff scheduling and rota management, followed closely by supplier and inventory management. By investing in data-driven technology solutions, businesses will be able to track and forecast labour and supply more accurately, helping them make smarter decisions, streamline operations and cut unnecessary costs across the board,” Sepierre said.

The Business Confidence Survey from CGA and Fourth drew responses from leaders at CEO, MD, chair, board and other senior management levels, with combined oversight of more than 21,000 hospitality sites. The research was conducted in late July and early August.