Strategizing Hotel Staffing in Vietnam

The hospitality industry in Vietnam has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the number of international tourists reaching over 18 million in 2019, up from 15,5 million in 2018 (source: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism). However, this growth has brought challenges, particularly in second-tier cities, where demand for hospitality staff has outstripped the supply. Additionally, the global pandemic has further exacerbated the labor shortage in the industry, as many workers have been forced to leave their jobs due to travel restrictions, health concerns, or economic hardships.

To address this shortage and retain current staff, hotels in Vietnam need to focus on human resources involvement and development plans for internal promotion. Here are some strategies hotels can use to attract and retain talent in the hospitality industry.

Partnering with Local High Schools, Colleges, and Universities

Human Resources can expand its perimeter and proactively work with these institutions to raise awareness about the career opportunities in the industry and attract a more diverse pool of candidates. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the country has over 400 tourism and hospitality training institutions, with over 53,000 graduates annually. By building strong relationships with these institutions, hotels can tap into the talent pool and offer attractive career paths to graduates.

Using Technology to Recruit

Hotels can use social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to advertise job vacancies and reach a broader audience. By leveraging these platforms, hotels can showcase their company culture, promote employee benefits, and highlight their commitment to staff development.

Offering Attractive Internship Programs

Hotels can provide students with practical training through internship programs, which can help them to gain hands-on experience and encourage them to pursue a career in hospitality. By offering internships, hotels can also identify potential employees and determine which departments are a good fit. Moreover, internships can lead to full-time job offers for students who perform well during their training.

Investing in Leadership Development Programs

Hotels can create a more engaged workforce and reduce turnover rates by allowing employees to develop their skills and advance their careers. By providing employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed, hotels can build a strong pipeline of future leaders and reduce the need to hire external candidates. Human Resources can invest in leadership programs, including training sessions, mentorship programs, cross-departmental training, and career development opportunities.

“The global pandemic has further exacerbated the labor shortage in the industry, as many workers have been forced to leave their jobs due to travel restrictions, health concerns, or economic hardships. To address this shortage and retain current staff, hotels in Vietnam need to focus on human resources involvement and development plans for internal promotion.”

Data shows that investing in human resources involvement and development plans can significantly impact employee retention and productivity. According to a Society for Human Resources Management study, companies with strong employee development programs have 34 percent higher employee retention rates and 67 percent higher productivity than companies with weak or nonexistent development programs.

In conclusion, the staff shortage in the hospitality industry is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address. By partnering with local high schools, colleges, and universities, leveraging technology to recruit, offering attractive internship programs, and investing in leadership development, hotels in Vietnam can attract and retain local talent and build a robust and engaged workforce. Moreover, by promoting internal promotion and career development, hotels can offer employees a clear path to advancement and build a culture of loyalty and commitment to the organization.  These strategies benefit individual hotels and contribute to the long-term growth and success of the hospitality industry in Vietnam and beyond.