Author Archives: HospTF

If you’re a property manager, you may be using the winter lull to prepare for the busier seasons ahead. In addition to team building and streamlining operations, the slower season is ideal for beginning the search for top-quality candidates. Whether you’re planning ahead to fill scheduled vacancies or are short-staffed and seeking immediate help, smart staffing practices are a must for temporary hospitality jobs. When you begin the process of hiring new members of the team, you may be interested in borrowing strategies from other industries’ toolboxes. Here, we share staffing tips from other sectors’ playbooks: 

Work With a Staffing Agency 

If you’ve been struggling to find time to review applications and schedule thorough interviews, take some advice from the tech industry: work with a staffing agency! At Hospitality Taskforce, our top priority is to source high-quality candidates for upper level positions. Executive-level positions are critical to the success of your property, and we take experience very seriously. We want to help you find the right people to cover these important roles, and we work hard to ensure a stress-free process. Once you’ve worked with us, we feel confident you’ll want to reach out again when it’s time to fill another temporary position.

Conduct More Than One Interview

These days, one interview isn’t enough to cut it. If you’re looking for ways to reduce turnover and feel confident that the applicant can jump right into the job, conducting at least two rounds of interviews is a great start. It can be a hassle to schedule more than one conversation, but it’s well worth the extra time to really get to know a candidate and get a feel for his or her strengths. If possible, include other members of the team in at least one of the interviews. Getting feedback from the department that the candidate will be working with is an excellent strategy to ensure the applicant is the right fit. 

Identify and Eliminate Bottlenecks

Staffing challenges can sneak up on you, especially during the peak season. The hospitality industry continues to contend with a lack of quality candidates, so it’s easy to understand why you may find yourself understaffed. By working with high-level temporary contractors, you can identify bottlenecks in your day-to-day processes that are slowing you down and plan staffing needs accordingly. Executive-level contractors can be invaluable in revving up productivity and identifying points of weakness. 

Beating the talent shortage within the hospitality industry is no easy task. If you’re tired of the struggle of low-quality applicants, the Hospitality Taskforce team is here to help. Staffing agencies are ubiquitous within other industries, and we strongly believe in the power of our network to bring your property to the next level. If you’re looking for the best candidates for temporary hospitality jobs, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have decades of experience in sourcing elite contractors who can step into upper-level roles and work seamlessly with existing teams. To learn more, please reach out to us or submit an RFP. 

If you’re at the top of your field in the hospitality industry, the demand for talent may pique your interest. Taskforce hospitality jobs are often beneficial for all parties, so it’s no surprise that temporary positions can be attractive for experienced independent contractors. If you’re interested in taking a temporary position, we’d love to connect you with property managers looking for your strengths. One question that we often get from contractors is whether remote work is a possibility. Ultimately, this depends upon the role you’re applying for and the needs of the team you’ll be joining. However, there are a few factors to consider and ask about when preparing for your interviews. Here’s an overview of what you should know about working remotely as a contactor: 

Some Positions Offer Remote or Hybrid Work 

Within the hospitality industry, it’s no secret that remote work is hard to come by. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s completely off the table for the right candidates. Post-COVID, many contractors still prefer to work remotely and are making these preferences known. Although it will depend upon your responsibilities and specialization, telecommuting may be possible for some positions (such as finance and sales). 

Considerations For Remote Roles 

If you’re interested in working remotely and have found a hotel to accommodate your preferences, there are a few considerations you’ll want to keep in mind. Since taskforce jobs are short-term and you’ll need to get up to speed quickly, we strongly recommend that you start with at least one full week on the property. This face-to-face communication is often imperative for getting to know the team and gaining a deeper understanding of the expectations. It’s also crucial to work with the property’s IT team to set up the necessary programs and permissions on your computer–and don’t try to do it at home by yourself. Once you’ve met the team and settled into the role, consider going on-property for some face time every three to four weeks. 

We’ve seen a few contractors perform exceedingly well in these roles, which could open up the possibility for hybrid or remote work for future positions. As mentioned above, the most successful remote assignments typically begin with the contractor on property. This is good to bring up as a suggestion in your interview even if the hiring manager isn’t requiring it. If you are open to remote, in-person, or a hybrid of both, you can broaden your appeal and increase your opportunities. When you’re ready to proceed with your search for top-level taskforce hospitality jobs, you’ve come to the right place. To start the process, please reach out to our team. 

If you’re a property manager, you’ve almost certainly experienced the effects of staffing shortages. The hospitality industry has been struggling to keep up with demand post-pandemic, and the combination of increased demand and worker shortages is challenging (to say the least). When you’re looking for ways to improve efficiency and reduce inflationary pressures, hiring for temporary hospitality jobs can be a winning strategy. Temporary workers have long been a staple for other industries, and there’s more that our sector can learn from other types of businesses. Here’s a look at ways that you can boost efficiency with reduced or temporary staffing: 

Restructure Roles to Combine Jobs 

Currently, many hotels operate under a clear division of labor, and roles are rigid. This isn’t the case in many other industries, and it’s common to see job listings that combine responsibilities into one position. If you need to ensure that operations are running smoothly with a smaller crew, consider redefining roles so fewer people are needed in each department. There are many ways to implement this concept, such as combining similar roles or introducing a player-coach system (for example, a housekeeper could supervise a team as well as clean rooms). Although you may find it helpful to combine lower-level responsibilities as much as you can, don’t be afraid to bring in an expert when necessary. In many cases, highly experienced temporary contractors bring a wealth of knowledge and valuable perspective to a property. Then, full-time employees can build upon this foundation when the contractor’s tenure is up. 

Utilize Talented Independent Contractors 

Contract work is becoming more common across multiple industries, and following this trend can be one of the most effective ways for hotels to improve efficiency and ensure adequate coverage. Instead of focusing on hiring full-time, W2 employees, managers would be wise to tap into the talent of seasoned contractors. Hiring permanent employees is a time-consuming process that often requires a lengthy training period, which is a luxury that few hotels have right now. Highly experienced contractors will save time and add value without disrupting your team’s workflow. 

The staffing shortages within the hospitality industry are widespread, and many hotels are struggling to keep up with demand. Our industry has experienced rapid changes since the pandemic, and it may be time to change your staffing practices to help your property thrive. If you need someone experienced and talented to step into a role on a temporary basis, we can help connect you with the best candidates in the business. Since 2003, Hospitality Taskforce has been the leader in sourcing elite contractors to fill temporary hospitality jobs. To start the process of finding the right person or people for your property, please contact us or submit an RFP. 

Now that summer is in full swing, your property is more than likely experiencing an influx of guests. Post-pandemic, Americans are ramping up their travel plans to make up for lost time–and hotels are feeling the impact. If you’re a property manager, there’s no doubt that you’ve seen firsthand how increasing levels of travel combined with a shortage of workers is affecting operations. Guests’ expectations are still just as high as ever, so it’s imperative to do what you can to keep the hotel running smoothly. During this exceptionally busy season, opting for temporary hotel staffing can help you bridge the gap and keep consumers happy. Interested in learning how working with a taskforce agency can help you meet consumer demand? Here’s a look at how highly experienced temporary contractors can provide value to your property:

Improve Efficiency

If you’re skeptical about hiring on a temporary basis, we understand the hesitancy. We’re different in that we only source candidates for upper-level positions, and our contractors have a minimum of 10 years of experience in their field. As a result, each contractor we accept is capable of bringing years of knowledge and experience to your property. When your management-level vacancies are filled by seasoned contractors, you can expect improved efficiency and productivity. 

Our Contractors Go Above and Beyond

Property managers planning to find help for the summer rush already understand that hiring on a seasonal basis is challenging. The job market remains strong despite high inflation, and many would-be temporary workers have more negotiating power. If you prefer to hold off on permanent hires but still need help (and need it now), bringing on experienced contractors is a great way to meet and exceed rising consumer expectations. As a top-tier taskforce agency, we take pride in the quality of contractors we partner with. You can rest assured that all candidates we send your way have a proven track record in going above and beyond. They’re extremely comfortable in the temporary environment and will arrive ready to share their expertise with minimal training. 

If you’re struggling to keep up with consumer demand and guests’ high expectations, temporary hotel staffing is an excellent solution. Keep in mind that not all temporary workers have the necessary level of knowledge and skills, so you may prefer to work with seasoned professionals. When you’re in need of contractors at the top of their field, Hospitality Taskforce can help. Since our founding in 2003, it’s been our mission to connect properties with highly experienced candidates who can confidently and effectively step into crucial positions. If you’d like to start the process of finding the best candidates for an upper level vacancy, please submit an RFP or contact us with any questions you may have. 

Businesses across all industries are feeling the pinch from inflation. Even as inflation slows, however, rising interest rates may be taking a toll on your property. If you’re a hotel manager on the search for ways to relieve the pressure from inflation, hiring temporary hospitality staffing can be an excellent strategy. Our experienced contractors are always an asset, but they’re especially helpful during this time of economic uncertainty. Here are a few of the top benefits of working with temporary contractors at the top of their field: 

Learn From the Best in the Business

Not all contractors bring the same level of knowledge and experience to the table, but our business model is different. We only source upper-level contractors who have a minimum of 10 years experience in their area of expertise (and most of our connections have much more experience than a decade). Because of their wealth of knowledge, hotels are in a unique position to benefit from our contractors’ strategic strength. Whether you need to bring someone in to sharpen your sales department or streamline operations in other areas, chances are that we have someone who can help. 

Prevent Revenue Loss by Filling Gaps in Coverage

Your patrons undoubtedly expect a high level of service and a positive experience. When full-time employees quit without notice or are terminated, the rest of the team is left to pick up the slack. Even planned absences such as maternity leave or medical leave can leave your team in a difficult spot, so having a partnership with a staffing agency is advantageous to prevent loss of revenue (which is especially important in these unusual economic waters). 

Inflation hasn’t been this high since the 1980s, so it’s no surprise that hotels are also feeling the effects of rapidly rising prices, higher interest rates, and discerning consumers. If your goal is to reduce spending while boosting revenue, opting for temporary hospitality staffing can be a savvy financial decision. Since 2003, we’ve dedicated ourselves to forging connections with the best temporary contractors available. We’re proud to source only the finest candidates for management-level positions, and we’d love to help you find the coverage you need. To learn more about our process, please contact our team or submit an RFP. 

Summer is a wonderful time to be in the hospitality industry, as people hit the open road, hop on planes, or take trains to see the world. But just as summer giveth, it also taketh away, particularly in the form of staffing shortages. In fact, summer presents all sorts of difficulties for the average hotel’s workforce, challenges that occur because of the following:

Summer Vacations Reign Supreme

Summer is the most popular time of year to take a vacation; roughly 81% of people travel when school ends and temperatures rise…and this includes people who work for you. Some members of your workforce may prefer to take the summer off (or at least take off a portion of it), leaving you with many positions to fill. 

Your Demand Increases

Hotels flourish in the summer, as sightseers and sun lovers show up in droves. This increased demand is, of course, good for a hotel’s bottom line, but it presents a challenge from a staffing perspective. The more guests you have, the more employees you need. 

Seasonal Positions are Tricky to Fill

Seasonal employment is not for everyone; job seekers looking for long-term careers or considering their long-term finances aren’t likely to jump at the chance to work on such a short-term basis. Fewer interested people mean fewer highly qualified candidates, ultimately making it harder to fill your open positions with those who can go above and beyond.  

Summer Presents a Time Crunch

On average, the hiring process can take around a month to six weeks. While this might be workable during other times of the year, summer causes an issue: there are only three months in the season, so you’re on a ticking clock. This makes the hiring process much more difficult and ups the odds that you’ll hire the wrong person because anyone is better than no one.  

Job Seekers Procrastinate Until the Fall 

Just like people tend to start their diets on “Monday,” they also tend to start their job search in the fall. Because summer allows for travel, play, and fun in the sun, there’s less motivation for potential job seekers to hunker down and get serious about exploring the workforce. This thins out the pool of candidates and makes it more difficult and time-consuming to find the right person. 

Summer shortages are a frequent problem in the hospitality industry. But they don’t have to be!

Hospitality Taskforce provides hotels and hotel management companies with a network of the highest quality, most experienced professionals in the areas of sales, catering, general and culinary management, and operations on a temporary basis. Contact us to learn how we can help your business grow.

If your property is  in need of coverage for a management-level position, you may have already determined that temporary hotel staffing is the best solution. There are many benefits of working with an elite taskforce agency–most importantly, access to highly-skilled contractors who will be an asset to your team. If you’re preparing to reach out to an agency, we share tips to help you navigate the hiring process with confidence and efficiency. 

Form a Relationship With a Taskforce Company

You never know when a connection to a taskforce company will come in handy, so we recommend forging a relationship with a reputable agency. Spend some time researching the best options and talking with the recruiting team so you have a solid idea of what to expect when it’s time to start your search. Even after your contract(s) have ended, consider reaching out periodically to keep an open line of communication. 

Review Contract Terms Carefully 

Before you complete the interview process and finalize your contract, be sure to review all terms with a fine-toothed comb. We understand that time is a finite resource, but it’s disappointing to have a contract fall through after you’ve identified the ideal candidate because the terms aren’t a fit. 

Be Forthcoming About Job Requirements

As a top-tier taskforce company, our goal is to have a detailed understanding of the position so we can connect you with the best contractors for the job. We can only be successful in this endeavor when our clients are upfront about each position and provide as much information as possible. For best results, provide an accurate, up-to-date job description and host at least one thorough phone or Zoom interview. If possible, meet with the team the contractor will be assisting to get an idea of what the day-to-day looks like and the qualities and qualifications of the ideal candidate. 

When you’re working toward the goal of filling a non-permanent position, it helps to have a reputable taskforce company in your corner. Our agency is adept at connecting seasoned contractors with property managers for a wide array of management-level openings. Whether you need temporary hotel staffing for one month, two months, or upwards of three months, we can assist you in finding experienced contractors. As the leader in the hotel taskforce hiring, we pride ourselves in sourcing individuals who thrive in this unique environment and can jump right into the role and be successful. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help, please contact us or submit an RFP. 

The hospitality industry is colossal, and demand for high-quality accommodations continues to ramp up. Although more Americans are traveling and indulging in luxury vacations, the worker shortage is persisting. If you’re struggling to hire quality candidates as quickly as you need them, you may be concerned about the toll open positions are taking on your current staff. If you’re feeling the pinch from a lack of workers, you’ll benefit from working with a top-tier temporary hospitality staffing agency. We source only the best independent contractors who are ready and able to step into any hotel management role. Here’s an analysis of how these valuable contractors can improve full-time employee retention at your property: 

Take the Pressure Off Existing Staff

There are currently an estimated 1.5 million job openings in the hospitality industry. That’s a lot of positions to fill, and there simply aren’t enough workers to meet the demand. Despite the additional H-2B temporary foreign worker visas issued for 2023, properties across the nation are struggling to keep up. 

If you’re a hiring manager, you already know how challenging it is to find qualified candidates. When job listings are fruitless for months, the seasoned, full-time staff on your team unfortunately bear the brunt. Preventing burnout is one of the best things you can do for your employees, and ensuring that no one is having to pick up the slack caused by vacant positions goes a long way toward promoting staff well-being. 

Improve Workflow

The work environment plays a significant role in employee outlook (and therefore, retention). The success of your property depends upon finding and keeping top talent, so it’s crucial to foster positive working conditions for your valuable staff. Many hiring managers are familiar with the scenario of hiring short-term workers in an attempt to fill the gap, only to realize that this practice leads to more chaos. New temporary hires who aren’t highly experienced and familiar will require adequate training, which can be impossible when you’re already playing catch up. This can lead to a massively disrupted workflow for the entire team, which is the last thing anyone wants. 

When your goal is to ensure efficiency, bringing on highly experienced contractors is the ideal solution. Our thoroughly-vetted independent contractors have a minimum of 10 years experience in their field and the vast majority have at least 20, so they often have the capability to improve upon existing operations (if desired) and are ready to jump right into the role with just a short briefing on expectations. Additionally, they contribute to a better work environment because they know their foremost priority is to provide unparalleled support to the existing team. 

If you’re tired of pouring from an empty cup, we’re here to help connect you with the best temporary hospitality staffing solutions. We source elite manager level contractors across all hotel departments, and can provide temporary staffing for 30, 60, and 90+ days. When you’re ready to learn more about how it works, we’d love to assist you. Please contact us for a consultation. 

Taskforce contractors are an important component of the hospitality industry. When full-time staff is overwhelmed due to understaffed departments for various reasons, short-term contractors can help support daily hotel functions until the hotel is fully staffed again. Still, that doesn’t mean just anyone fits the bill. The best contractors come with certain characteristics, including the following:

Experience and Qualifications

Taskforce contractors should know the inner hotel workings of their respective department like the back of their hand. They’re educated in the practices that are applicable to their roles and have enough experience to handle even the most difficult situations. They can jump from task to task with ease and shouldn’t need much in the way of guidance before hitting the ground running.  

The Ability to Hit the Ground Running

Stepping into a hotel taskforce role requires someone who has worked in many different circumstances and situations that have enabled them to be resilient, adaptable and flexible.  If you’re hiring a contractor, you’re already short-staffed and you need someone who can hit the ground running and do their job with minimal supervision. After all, hiring someone who needs to be trained and micromanaged kind of defeats the purpose of hiring extra help in the first place. 

Systems Knowledge

Many hotels and positions come with systems knowledge requirements. This varies by hotel chain and property, role, and department, but it’s important, nonetheless. If your hotel relies on a specific system, it’s important to tell the taskforce company from the start so they can find a contractor who meets your needs. There are times when identifying available contractors with specific system knowledge is limited, so we highly recommend you interview those who have some experience with your system but feel comfortable they will pick it back up quickly.  A very adaptable and skilled contractor can prove to be more beneficial than an average one who simply knows your system well.

Dependability

Among the most important qualities in a taskforce contractor is dependability. Hotels often hire outside help during especially hectic times when not only is the hotel busy, but it’s understaffed while searching for full-time employees (which can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to fill). This means a commitment and flexibility for extensions from the contractor is highly important. Having to find temporary help for your temporary help only ends in frustration. 

The Right Fit

Be sure to have a phone or video interview with potential contractors to get a feel for their personality and rapport with your team. At the end of the day, there’s a lot to be said for chemistry. Someone can look great on paper and know your system, but may simply not be the best fit for your particular team at that time. Always work with a taskforce company that understands this and will work with you to place the right person (and possibly replace them if needed). 

Hiring a taskforce contractor can be a game-changer when your workload increases or your staff burns out. But not all contractors provide the same level of satisfaction. This list is a great foundation to help you find the perfect person for the short-term job. 

Hospitality Taskforce provides hotels and hotel management companies with a network of the highest quality, most experienced professionals in the areas of sales, catering, general and culinary management, and operations on a temporary basis. Contact us to learn how we can help your business grow.

As people seek work-life balance and pursue their passions, the number of independent contractors has skyrocketed (in the hospitality industry and everywhere else). While independent contractors aren’t required to form LLCs, there are many advantages to doing so. LLCs are easy and affordable and can save you money in the long run. Here’s what you need to know:

What is an LLC?

A limited liability company (LLC) is a type of business structure that essentially keeps your business separate from your personal life. As the name implies, it limits your liability by protecting you from personal responsibility when it comes to business debt and consequences. 

LLCs aren’t quite corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships; rather, they’re a mix of all three.

How do you form an LLC?

To start an LLC, you need to first choose a name (which must include some version of the “LLC” term) and name a registered agent (your LLC’s point of contact). You must then register your LLC with the secretary of state and get an employee identification number (EIN), which is required to open a bank account, file taxes, and hire workers. You should file an operating agreement, as well, although this may or may not be required depending on where you live. 

If you don’t want to form an LLC on your own, there are several online services that can do the work for you. 

Reasons to form an LLC

As mentioned above, the biggest reason to form an LLC comes down to personal protection. If you run a sole proprietorship or are part of a partnership, you and your business are legally viewed as one and the same. In other words, your personal debts merge with your business debts. If you’re sued by a customer or employee, your personal assets will be at risk, as well.

An LLC takes care of this problem by separating you (and your personal assets and personal finances) from the company you run. With an LLC, your home or personal checking account can’t be used to collect debts or pay lawsuits.

Corporations offer this sort of protection, as well, but with more requirements. For example, they must follow rigid rules, pay annual fees, host shareholder meetings, file yearly reports, and abide by strict record-keeping requirements. The rules for LLCs tend to be much more lenient.

LLCs are also privy to several tax advantages, including “pass-through” taxation,  which can lower a company’s tax burden and keep money in their pockets rather than Uncle Sam’s. 

LLCs offer ownership flexibility, too, without restrictions on the number or types of owners allowed, and no formal structure dictating management. Furthermore, LLCs enjoy flexibility when it comes to profit distributions. For example, if three people have equal ownership in an LLC, the profits can be distributed in whichever way the owners agree. 

Overall, there are numerous reasons to form an LLC as an independent contractor. At Hospitality Taskforce, we typically recommend that our independent consultants set up some sort of entity to better protect themselves. We advise you to consult with your CPA first, as we are not tax consultants or experts.

Hospitality Taskforce provides hotels and hotel management companies with a network of the highest quality, most experienced professionals in the areas of sales, catering, general and culinary management, and operations on a temporary basis. Contact us to learn how we can help your business grow.