Abrogating Attrition

One constant problem that has been incessantly proving a bothersome malady for the hospitality industry is the shortage and retention of skilled manpower, as this makes or mars the future of the property. Possessing innovative and problem-solving capabilities the workforce can add to the success of the hotel. Skills like patience, multitasking, positivity are a few of abilities which attribute to the success of the hotel as it helps in the hotel being able to provide excellent customer service in all circumstances. But shortage of skilled manpower has been a constant problem of the industry. Ashok Malkani delves on several aspects of the shortage and retention of employees.

Hospitality industry, where service excellence and guest satisfaction play an extremely significant role for a hotel's success has been a constant stigma for the industry which is persistently beleaguered and plagued with the attrition problem. Retaining skilled labour has been a difficult proposition. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics there was an annual employee turnover rate of more than 74.9% in 2018. This means more than 6% employees departed every month. The Skill Gap report by Ministry of Tourism states that the attrition rate in hospitality industry was high. The total employment and attrition rates, according to Skill Gap report, are as mentioned in the table: It was believed the Covid pandemic, when several hotels curtailed employment, would ease the problem, but did it do so or does the problem still exist? Mahesh Khade, HR manager, Sayaji Pune, maintains, "Every hotel is facing shortage of skilled manpower. Branded hotels require quality people every year and this requirement is growing day by days. Most branded hotels in India today are severely underpowered. The gap between the sector's requirements and its growth is humungous. It's very alarming. There is about 40% -50% attrition and there is a paucity of students entering the sector.