Addressing hospitality challenges: improving staffing levels and delivering 24/7 service excellence

“Innovation in the hospitality industry” is crucial to meet current challenges and improve 24/7 service. This article highlights how innovative solutions are transforming the sector.

The lack of qualified personnel and the increasing demand for 24/7 service have been one of the central issues for a long time.

We were inspired by the current Intergastra news (https://www.messe-stuttgart.de/intergastra/newsroom/details#/de/pressemitigung/bdv-und-intergastra-entwickel-sonderflaeche-focused-vending--629845) and observed some strategies that promise success in this dynamic and constantly evolving landscape.

Every second year, the “Intergastra” in Stuttgart is one of the most important trade fairs for the industry and offers a platform to present the latest products and innovations in the hotel and catering industry. The next edition of the fair will take place from February 3rd to 7th, 2024.

The Talent Shortage: Solving Human Resources Challenges

The breadth and diversity of the catering industry brings an urgent problem into the spotlight for almost all businesses: the lack of qualified staff. A focus of Intergastra illustrates this reality and highlights a noticeable gap in the availability of skilled workers.

“The current situation represents a major challenge for the hospitality sector as there is an obvious gap in the availability of qualified staff.” (https://www.messe-stuttgart.de). This deficiency is a noticeable hurdle that companies must overcome to improve their service standards.

Meet expectations 24/7: Align with consumer needs

In an age where everyone and everything is constantly available online, consumers today expect services to be tailored to their lifestyle around the clock. According to Intergastra, this paradigm shift creates an unavoidable need for the hotel and catering industry to transform towards 24/7 service: “The demand for 24/7 service is not a trend; it is a consumer expectation that the gastronomy industry must meet in order to remain relevant and competitive.”

And this isn't just a consumer preference; It's a fundamental shift in the industry's service model that is forcing companies to redefine the boundaries of traditional operating hours.

The Smart Canteen Revolution: Harnessing Technological Advances

 

We very much welcome the fact that the trade fair supports the “smart canteen” concept and presents it accordingly. Essentially, this is an innovative approach to improving procedures and processes in the catering and hotel industries as well as in offices and companies.

This strategy uses state-of-the-art technology to redefine the way we eat and, even more than before, turn the consumer into the center of convenience.

Success strategies:

Unlocking the potential for 24/7 service lies in seamless technology integration. From automated reservations to AI-powered concierge services, intelligent solutions range to achieve continuous and efficient operations.

Einige Beispiele:

  • Captivating virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications.
  • Mobile Apps for personalized recommendations, room customization and in-app services
  • Contactless check-in and check-outprocesses.
  • Digital key technology for mobile room access.
  • Mobile payments and digital wallets for seamless transactions.
  • 24/7 Self Service Convenient Food & Beverage Versorgungen – angepasst an Kunden und Situation.
  • Automated or robotic kitchen assistants..

In order to develop and retain a qualified workforce, it has become essential to invest in recruitment strategies, training programs and employee retention initiatives. A survey by “Joblist” showed that over 50% of employees in the catering industry are at least partially considering switching to another industry.

Intergastra will showcase innovative solutions that address the shortage of qualified personnel and provide answers to the incessant demand for 24/7 service.

Here you will find our 24/7 Smart Canteen solution:

“Convenient self-service” automation is an efficient and convenient way for customers to offer fresh food, snacks and drinks with little need for staff. Digitalized automation tools also make it easier for companies to collect valuable information about the customer journey.

We would be happy to meet you at Intergastra and share opportunities for growth through digital 24/7 self-service solutions.