AHLA Announce National Employee Day

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) announced that September 1 has been designated as National Hotel Employee Day in the National Day Calendar.

National Hotel Employee Day will be observed yearly to congratulate hotel workers for their hard work and devotion, as well as to acknowledge the vital role they play in the travel, tourist, and hotel sectors in the United States.

This year, National Hotel Employee Day will have special significance as hotels around the country attempt to rapidly fill more than 120,000 available hotel jobs. To attract more talent, hotels are paying existing and prospective employees more, providing greater perks, and providing more freedom than ever before.

“On this inaugural National Hotel Employee Day, we thank America’s nearly two million hotel employees. Every day in communities across the nation, hotel employees’ service and dedication help facilitate some of Americans’ most important life events—from wedding receptions to family reunions and vacations,” said AHLA President and CEO Chip Rogers.

“And with more than 120,000 open hotel jobs across the nation, now is the time to consider one of the more than 200 enriching careers in the hotel industry.”

According to an AHLA member poll, almost all hotels are facing labor shortages, with half reporting being significantly short-staffed- staffed. 97 % of survey respondents reported a labor deficit, with 49 % reporting a serious shortage. Housekeeping is the most significant labor demand, with 58 % citing it as their most hard challenge.

These staff shortages, along with high summer travel demand, are creating unprecedented career prospects for hotel workers. The national average hotel pay has risen from $18.74 per hour before the epidemic to $22.25 per hour in May 2022. And the perks and versatility of hotels are better than ever.

“There has never been a better time to work in the hotel industry than right now,” Rogers said.

The hotel sector provides more than 200 alternative career pathways and numerous prospects for advancement, with 80 % of entry-level employees suitable for promotions in less than one year and 50 % of hotel general managers beginning in an entry-level position.