Nearly half of hospitality business leaders are investing in technology to help improve staffing related challenges, such as retention and churn, according to the latest Business Confidence Survey from CGA by NIQ and Fourth
The survey shows 42% of business leaders currently have a digital solution to help retain staff. However more is needed to maximise efficiencies, according to the data analysists, with another 31% planning to invest in one over the next 12 months.
This is ahead of leaders using tech to help with cost inflation (19%), employee legislation compliance (18%) and stock availability (11%).
23% of leaders believe that staff scheduling and rota management are the primary areas that would benefit from further investment in tech.
This is followed by supplier management (22%), inventory management (17%) and employee on-boarding (15%).
Furthermore, 51% of leaders believe AI powered solutions can have a medium level impact on their day-to-day operations, while 5% believe it will have a high impact.
Sebastien Sepierre, managing director – EMEA, Fourth, said: “As the results of our latest Business Confidence Survey show, hospitality leaders are looking for ways to relieve operational pressures in the current economic climate, whilst also protecting the customer experience.
”It’s clear that operators see technology as a solution to mitigate staff shortages, maximise available resources and reduce the admin burden on managers, with respondents identifying that their businesses would benefit most from additional investment in staff scheduling and rota management, followed closely by supplier and inventory management.
”By investing in data-driven technology solutions, businesses will be able to track and forecast labour and supply more accurately, helping them make smarter decisions, streamline operations and cut unnecessary costs across the board.”
Karl Chessell, CGA by NIQ’s director – hospitality operators and food, EMEA, said: “Staff retention and sustainability are two of hospitality’s most urgent issues, and leaders know that tech has a big role to play on both fronts. Digital expertise in the industry has accelerated over the last few years, but targeted investment is still needed to unleash its full potential to reduce admin burdens, staff turnover and food waste.”
