“The number of vacancies is increasing in the hotel and restaurant business and in the service sector in general. What is needed to meet the personnel demand?”, — write: www.epravda.com.ua
Today, the tourism industry in Ukraine is going through a difficult phase. After a long period of decline caused by the war, the hotel business is gradually recovering, but it faces a serious problem: a shortage of personnel.
The number of vacancies in the hotel and restaurant business and in the service sector in general is increasing, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to fill them. The lack of qualified workers who can provide a high level of service threatens to slow down the recovery of tourism in Ukraine and economic growth in general.
According to Work.ua data, in September 2024, the number of vacancies in Ukraine reached a record 105,809, which is evidence of growing demand for labor. However, many employers face the challenge of not being able to close vacancies due to a lack of suitable candidates.
The main reasons lie in the impact of martial law: many citizens, in particular women with children and young people, have gone abroad, men have been mobilized, and among those who remain, there is a lack of relevant experience and qualifications. Many internally displaced persons (IDPs) are forced to retrain, which also makes it difficult to quickly close vacant positions.
These factors are particularly acute in the field of hospitality. The industry needs employees who can provide unique service, be adaptable and customer-oriented. In the conditions of war and economic instability, guests especially value attentiveness, safety and care, which requires the involvement of highly qualified personnel. However, it is often impossible to find workers who can meet these requirements.
Ways to solve the personnel shortage in the field of hospitality
The first is to stimulate the return of labor migrants. The state and businesses can work to create conditions that will encourage Ukrainians who have left to return home. These can be flexible working conditions, support at the level of local communities, as well as financial and social incentives that compensate for the difficulties of moving.
The second is support for persons with disabilities. Unfortunately, the war led to an increase in the number of people with disabilities who require special working conditions. However, these people are extremely motivated, and businesses, by creating suitable jobs, can attract new staff who are able to provide a high level of service and adapt to different tasks.
The third is educational programs and retraining. In the conditions of a limited choice of candidates, educational programs become the basis of training new personnel. For example, free “Ribas All-Ukrainian School of Hospitality” was created with the support of the USAID Program “Competitive Economy of Ukraine” has already released 8 streams of students.
The first graduates have already found jobs and started their careers in the hospitality industry. The country needs to continue creating similar projects. Such programs can act as a bridge between potential workers and employers, helping to attract workers who are ready to work immediately after training.
The fourth step is to increase the attractiveness of work in hospitality. Hospitality has the potential for career development, but employers need to make the industry attractive to young people. This can be achieved through transparent growth prospects, competitive salaries, additional bonuses and social packages.
In conclusion, staff shortage in the field of hospitality is a problem that requires a comprehensive approach. Attracting new workers, retraining those who are ready to change professions, and creating conditions for the return of our citizens can become a powerful lever for the development of the tourism industry in Ukraine.
Hospitality needs people, because it is human capital that is the basis of success in this industry.