Staff Shortage in Hospitality: Solutions & Technology That Help
Staff shortage is the biggest challenge in hospitality. However, there are proven solutions — from smarter operations to technology that relieves your team. Discover how successful hospitality businesses tackle the labor shortage. Solutions such as self-ordering via kiosk, QR and payment tech, or tablet POS add practical automation and improve efficiency when paired with the right ordering flow.
The staff shortage in numbers
Staff shortages remain a major challenge in hospitality, and the impact is felt in every venue.
Hard-to-fill vacancies
Tens of thousands of hospitality vacancies remain open for months. From wait staff and kitchen to management — finding qualified personnel is increasingly difficult.
Rising labor costs
Scarcity drives up wages while margins are under pressure. The restaurant employee turnover rate remains among the highest of any industry, meaning businesses must constantly invest in recruiting and retaining staff.
Impact on service quality
With fewer staff, service levels drop: longer wait times, less attention for guests, and more stress on the team.
Limited operating hours
Many hospitality venues must close on certain days or limit hours simply because there aren't enough people.
Proven solutions for staff shortage
There's no silver bullet, but a combination of these strategies makes the difference.
Smart scheduling
Use smart scheduling tools to efficiently plan your staff based on expected demand. Avoid overstaffing during quiet times and understaffing during peak hours.
Attractive employer branding
Invest in your team: good working conditions, growth opportunities, flexible schedules, and a pleasant work environment. Happy employees stay longer and are the best ambassadors.
Self-ordering technology
Let guests order themselves via a kiosk, QR code, or tablet. This relieves your team, supports revenue through smart upselling, and reduces wait times — so your staff can focus on genuine hospitality.
Process automation
Automate where possible: digital menus that update automatically, orders sent directly to the kitchen, contactless payment at the table. Every action you automate saves time.
Cross-training staff
Train employees in multiple roles so they can be deployed flexibly. A team member who can both serve and work the bar is invaluable during understaffing.
Part-time and flex workers
Partner with hospitality staffing agencies and make part-time work attractive. Students and flex workers fill peak hours effectively.
Simplify menu and concept
A simpler menu means less complexity in the kitchen and faster throughput. Focus on quality over quantity.
Kitchen technology
Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) replace receipt printers and ensure clear communication in the kitchen. Fewer errors, faster throughput, less stress.
How self-ordering relieves your team
Self-ordering isn't a replacement for your team — it's a reinforcement. Your staff can focus on hospitality while technology handles the ordering process. Busy counter? Add a kiosk ordering point. At tables, choose QR for guests' own phones or a tablet menu. Your team still prepares, serves and helps.
Self-Ordering Kiosk
Guests order and pay independently at the touchscreen. Ideal for quick service, cafeterias, and grab-and-go concepts. Smart upsell suggestions can increase the order value.
Smart upsellingQR Ordering
Guests scan the QR code at their table and order via their smartphone. Perfect for sit-down restaurants. No app download needed. Less running for your team.
Less runningTablet Ordering
Digital menu at the table where guests order at their own pace. Ideal for all-you-can-eat, hotels, and concepts with extensive menus.
Own paceHow other venues tackle it
Examples of how hospitality operators use self-ordering when staff is scarce.
Restaurant with QR ordering
With QR ordering, the team gains more space for hospitality and personal attention. Smart upselling suggestions encourage guests to add side dishes and drinks.
Smart upsellingBowling center with self-service
With kiosks at strategic locations, guests spend less time queuing. Staff can focus on the lanes and hospitality instead of taking orders.
Shorter queuesHotel with 24/7 service
With a kiosk in the lobby and QR ordering for room service, the hotel can offer 24/7 service — even when reception is minimally staffed at night.
24/7 availableWhat's the return?
What self-ordering can deliver — the actual return depends on your venue.
Through smart upselling and higher order frequency
Team free from routine tasks — more time for personal attention and the experience guests remember
Guests order faster, throughput improves
Depends on volume, channels and venue type
Key Takeaways
- Self-ordering technology compensates for staff shortages without reducing service quality or revenue.
- Staff shortages are a structural challenge for hospitality across Europe.
- Digital ordering lets existing staff focus on hospitality tasks instead of routine order taking.
- Self-ordering helps venues keep service running with a smaller team.
- A combination of kiosks, QR ordering, and online ordering covers all guest touchpoints with fewer staff.
| Feature | With Self-Ordering Tech | Fully Staffed |
|---|---|---|
| Staff needed | Fewer staff on order-taking | Full complement required |
| Service capacity | Supported by self-ordering | Full (when fully staffed) |
| Revenue impact | Maintained or increased | Dependent on team size |
| Guest wait time | Reduced significantly | Varies with availability |
| Scalability | Easy (add channels) | Hire + train + retain |
Self-ordering technology therefore provides a sustainable solution to the structural staff shortage, enabling venues to deliver consistent service quality regardless of team availability.
Frequently asked questions about staff shortage
No. Self-ordering doesn't replace your team, it relieves them. Taking orders is just one task — your staff can focus on hospitality, preparation, and personal attention. The tasks that truly make a difference.
The investment varies by solution: QR ordering starts at a low monthly fee, kiosks require a hardware investment. How quickly it pays for itself depends on your volume, channels and venue type.
Yes. Many guests are already used to ordering via a kiosk or their own smartphone. The Jamezz interface is designed for ease of use — for all ages and tech skill levels.
QR ordering can go live within days. Kiosks are delivered and installed by our team or one of our partners. From request to operational can be as fast as 2-4 weeks.
Jamezz integrates with POS systems (Lightspeed, unTill, Mplus, Vectron, and more). Orders arrive directly in your existing system. No POS? Jamezz also works standalone.
Jamezz is built for scalability. From one location to hundreds of venues — manage everything centrally with location-specific menus and settings.
Digital ordering uses smart upselling and cross-selling prompts that suggest extras, upgrades and side dishes automatically. This can increase the average order value — without needing extra staff to do the selling.
Not at all. By automating the administrative side of ordering, your staff has more time for genuine hospitality — recommendations, table visits, and personal attention. Self-ordering is a tool, not a replacement for warmth.
Any venue where staff handles repetitive order-taking: restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, food courts, stadiums, holiday parks and all-you-can-eat concepts. The higher the volume, the greater the impact on efficiency and revenue.
Absolutely. Many venues use a hybrid model: guests can order digitally via QR or kiosk, but table service remains available for those who prefer it. You set the balance that fits your concept.