Catherwood LibraryILR School

As more and more people get vaccinated, demand for in person restaurant dining has increased. However, the industry faces a serious labor shortage which has compromised its ability to meet the demands of their eager customers. Currently, over 25% of restaurant operators rated recruitment and retention as their biggest challenge. Due to fewer people in the workforce, stimulus supports still in place, rising worker safety concerns and much greater competition with other industries for workers, operators are returning to pre-pandemic recruitment techniques for hiring. These include higher hourly pay rates, additional benefits and professional development opportunities, among others.