Solving the Staffing Squeeze: What Hotel Managers Are Doing to Keep Great People

It’s no secret—staffing challenges in hotels remain one of the biggest issues facing General Managers across Australia.

Whether you’re running a metro property or a regional stay, the same pressure applies: not enough hands, rising expectations, and the constant juggle of trying to keep your team happy, guests satisfied, and operations running smoothly.

The good news? There are ways through it. And they don’t always mean hiring more people—just supporting the ones you already have.

The Talent Crunch is Real

With record vacancy rates in hospitality and an increasingly mobile workforce, hotel teams are feeling the strain. Housekeepers, front desk staff, and food service teams are stretched—and in many cases, leaving. GMs across the country are facing a common challenge:

“How do I keep the staff I have motivated, supported, and here for the long haul?”

What’s Working Across the Industry

1. Smarter Onboarding & Upskilling

Short, hands-on training sessions that are tailored to your property’s needs can help new hires hit the ground running. They also reduce errors, build confidence, and help lighten the load on more experienced staff. Consider Ai training and Onboarding Tools such as Trainual and consider a custom GPT trained on your property’s handbook or SOPs. Staff can ask it real-time questions like “How do I log a maintenance issue?” or “What’s the linen change schedule?”.

2. Tools That Make the Job Easier

From lightweight housekeeping trolleys to ergonomic mop systems and colour-coded cleaning kits, upgrading tools isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about respect.
These everyday items directly impact how your team moves, works, and feels throughout their shift—especially when staffing challenges in hotels mean fewer hands doing more work. A well-designed trolley reduces strain and speeds up room resets. Ergonomic mops minimise fatigue, and colour-coded cloths support faster, more confident cleaning.
Investing in better tools sends a clear message : “We value your time, your health, and your work.”
It’s a simple way to boost morale, reduce burnout, and improve retention—while also delivering cleaner rooms and happier guests.

3. Culture That Recognises Effort

Team culture is often what keeps staff on board when pay or hours can’t compete. A workplace that values contribution and celebrates effort is one people want to stay in.

At Vendella, We’ve Put This Into Practice

To create a culture of recognition and values-led behaviour, we introduced two simple initiatives:

Vendollars: Team members earn these whenever they display one of our company values. Each Vendollar is worth 10 minutes of paid time off. It’s a way to reward the how, not just the what.

Monthly Values Cup: Every month, the team votes for the person who has most lived our values. The winner gets company-wide recognition (and serious bragging rights).

Small Shifts = Big Results

Solving staffing challenges in hotels isn’t just about hiring more people. Often, it’s about creating a work environment where staff feel seen, supported, and equipped to succeed.

Ask what’s getting in their way—and fix it
Upgrade the tools they use every day
Recognise great work, often and publicly

Need Help Supporting Your Team?

We supply the gear that helps housekeeping teams move faster, safer, and with less effort. If your team is under pressure, we’ll help you find smart, cost-effective upgrades to lighten the load.

📞 Contact us on 1800 757 763 or email customercare@vendella.com.au.