The hospitality industry in India could be facing a significant shortage of around 350,000 workers as the business has boomed post the third wave of Covid-19, and operations and working hours have normalized, industry associations and professionals told ET.
Shortage of staff is a “big challenge” and “almost all hotel companies are addressing this in terms of putting a lot of focus on multi-tasking and also developing new talent,” according to KB Kachru, chairman emeritus and principal advisor, South Asia, at Radisson Hotel Group.
“At present, the industry has a requirement of over 350,000 manpower at various levels...This number is likely to appreciate as the industry is on a constant road to recovery post the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.” Industry insiders said many workers who were laid off during the pandemic have moved to other sectors, such as retail and banking, and are now reluctant to return as there is a feeling that hospitality roles are insecure, not as rewarding, and far too demanding.
“We are working closely with Skill India, which is helping out in terms of developing talent for different departments; whether it’s housekeeping or maintenance, each area has to be addressed separately,” said Kachru, who is also vice president of the Hotel Association of India.
Industry body National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) partnered with staffing and employment platform Kaam.com this year to launch nationwide recruitment, skill development, and financial inclusion platform for all workers within the hospitality industry.
