Tom Stieghorst
One of the annoying problems for Florida lodging operators has been the scarcity of hotel workers amid booming demand from pandemic-troubled tourists.
The discrepancy resulted in some hotels closing entire floors because there were no housekeepers or the number of linen changes was limited during a guest’s stay.
In March, employment in “lodging” jobs fell 40% from March 2020, according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
However, there are preliminary signs that labor shortages may ease this summer as more workers are vaccinated and the incentives to stay home decrease.
• Related: Hospitality companies are trying to fill the workforce gaps
In particular, some labor economists and politicians have argued that additional unemployment insurance benefits during the pandemic made staying home competitive versus returning to work.
On June 26, Florida became one of 26 states to end the $ 300 weekly federal payment that increases the maximum state benefit of $ 275 for workers on leave. The benefits in other countries run until September.
Job data suggests that more people are returning to work in states that ended the benefit early, although the first data for Florida since the change won’t be available until later this month.
“It’s better than two months ago, that’s for sure,” said Scott DiPietro, Area Regional Manager of the 99-room Home2Home Suites by Hilton in Stuart. DiPietro said that more and more people are coming looking for work. “You just have the feeling [of recovery],” he said.
In federal benefit withdrawal, Florida led 14 consecutive months of job growth, reducing the need for the benefit. Florida’s current unemployment rate of 5% is below the national average.
But some Floridians feel left behind. Ten Broward County residents recently sued the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, saying that Florida law does not allow premature termination of benefit. The lawsuit states that Florida is required by law to “secure for that state all benefits available under federal law relating to rehabilitation assistance.”
In a statement, the agency said Florida’s move was in line with U.S. Department of Labor guidelines.
Other hoteliers said the end of the extended benefit coincided with an increase in online and walk-in applications for work. “The timing is definitely right,” said Lisa Lombardo, Chief People and Culture Officer of the HDG Group in Ocala. “We see more applications and that leaves us with more options.”
Even so, full employment remains elusive at HDG, which operates franchise hotels in mostly medium-sized markets across Florida. As a result, the company improved its medical, visual, and dental benefits and relaxed some of its pre-hire requirements, she said.
According to Lombardo, HDG has also started a candidate referral bonus which gives the new employee an initial hiring bonus after 30 days on the job, but then gives a second and third bonus amount to an employee who makes a successful referral after 60 and 90 days.
HDG also has an agreement with a next day pay company to provide free services to employees in some hotels. Services amount to up to 50% of an employee’s hourly wage on the day after their earnings, with the remainder being received on the payday.
“You don’t have to choose,” said Lombaro, “but it is available if you want.”
