How to Succeed in Hospitality Industry?
Some of the most rewarding careers aren’t easy, and in no industry is that more true than hospitality. While hospitality gives you the opportunity to work directly with people – and in most cases, make those people extremely happy – you’ll have to work long, often unpredictable shifts, stay on your feet for hours, and because people are always watching you, be on you’re A-game at all times. As fun as this career may be, it’s easy to let it get the best of you. So if you’re passionate about the field, learn more about the personal and professional skills you’ll need below to see if hospitality is the right path for you. Always focus on the customer. In hospitality, no one is more important than the customer. In fact, how well you treat them will make or break your success. The concept is simple – the goal of hospitality is to make customers, clients and guests feel welcomed, comfortable and like a true VIP, all to make them come back for more. Think of it this way: your service is the product, and if customers don’t like a product, they won’t buy it twice. Be flexible. As we mentioned earlier, when you work in hospitality, there’s no telling what your hours might be, and you need to be ready and willing to work when you’re needed. Whether you’re working at 3 p.m. or 3 a.m. – on either an average Monday or a holiday – you’ll need to be adaptable, versatile and resourceful, and always have an open mind. In hospitality, there’s no telling what responsibilities you might be tasked with. Be positive. Success in hospitality depends a lot on your ability to make positive connections with clients, guests, vendors and even other employees. Remember: hospitality is all about comfort and service, and having a smile on your face is an easy way to make guests feel comfortable and respected. Learn how to multitask. No matter what you do, when you work in hospitality, you’ll need to be able handle multiple responsibilities at once. In just one afternoon, you might be asked to clean up a spilled drink, handle an unhappy guest, setup a VIP table for 20 and work the bar, all while staying calm and keeping a smile on your face as you greet new guests. The industry is fast-paced, always changing, and at times, even a little hectic. But if you love the job, you won’t let it get to you. Pay attention to detail. As they say: “It’s the little things.” Details can make all the difference, and the more impactful they are, the more your guests will remember them. Make sure your uniform shirt is clean and tucked in – it will make you look professional and passionate about what you do. Clean up every last drop of rum that customer spilled on the floor, make sure your plates and glasses are evenly spaced, and wherever you can, go above and beyond for every guest. Guests, and employers, always notice the details, and in time, you’ll be rewarded for it. Interested in hospitality? Contact RMG Staffing here to see if we have a position for you.
Is Virtual Reality Impacting the Future of the Hospitality Industry?
Technology is constantly evolving and changing the way we live our lives, so it’s inevitable that some pretty incredible innovations to the hospitality industry are on the horizon. If you’re not already familiar with virtual reality, prepare for it to rock your world. Markus Schreyer, vice president at The Americas at Design Hotels AG, writes about hospitality industry innovation on his personal website, and he offers some fascinating insights on how virtual reality might change the face of travel. He notes that Facebook CEO and Co-Founder Mark Zuckerberg has already declared technology will allow people to visit destinations across the world virtually one day. This might not be too far in the future, as Schreyer mentions Facebook’s 2014 purchase of Oculus, a virtual reality technology startup, for $2 billion. 3 Ways Virtual Reality Could Change the Hospitality Industry As an industry insider, Schreyer is privy to all the latest hospitality trends and he has some pretty exciting ideas about how virtual reality could change travel as we know it. Prior to a Stay Choosing a hotel can be a difficult decision for guests. Virtual reality could walk them through the grounds for a preview. From touring the hotel room they would be staying in to visiting the restaurant and pool area, people would be able to make an informed decision by seeing the grounds with their own eyes. During the Visit Hotel staff could provide a second-to-none guest experience with the help of virtual reality. Schreyer suggests a host of possibilities, including the ability to change the restaurant and room service menus to each person’s native language, offering a guided path to their hotel room and providing a hologram personal trainer for in-room exercise. After the Trip Maintaining contact with guests after they depart is key, but doing so using present technology can be a challenge. Schreyer believes the onset of virtual reality would make this much easier, allowing management to increase brand loyalty and encourage customers to return to the property every time they’re in town. The fun and vibrant Miami hospitality industry is an incredible place to work — but you already know that. If you’re an employer searching for top talent or a skilled professional ready to start the next chapter in your career, RMG Staffing wants to help. Contact us today to learn more about our Miami employment services for employers and job seekers!
How Can Temporary Employees Benefit Your Workforce?
You’ve worked hard to build a great business, and customer satisfaction levels are through the roof. Whether you run a catering company, hotel, spa or any other type of business in the highly competitive Miami hospitality industry, you’re definitely doing something right. It’s beyond exciting to achieve such a high level of success, but it’s starting to take a toll on your staff. Your outstanding employees are certainly willing to work hard, but they’re only human, and people have their limits. Increasing your staff on a permanent basis may feel like too much of a gamble — especially if the surge is a recent occurrence or caused by seasonal demand — so consider taking on temporary employees. Below are three reasons why temporary staffers can have a hugely positive impact on your company. Avoid Overtime Costs When employees put more than 40 hours in during a workweek, you’re required by law to pay them at least time-and-a-half. Occasional instances of just a few hours might not be a huge problem, but if this becomes standard, it will quickly put a dent in your payroll budget. Of course, if you take on temporary employees, this is a non-issue because they can step in when your workers hit the 40-hour mark. Combat Fatigue It’s impossible to give 100 percent to your job when you’re completely exhausted. Even your top employees will start producing lower quality work when they can barely keep their eyes open. People need time away from work to relax, so they can be refreshed for their next shift. Adding a few temporary workers to your schedule will ensure your hardworking team gets the rest they deserve. Lower Stress Levels Simply put, overworked employees have sky-high stress levels. Typically calm, reasonable people tend to become cranky and irrational when they work way too much. If your employees don’t have adequate time to step away from the job and unwind, tensions will rise. Increasing the size of your team with temporary staffers ensures you’ll have proper coverage, without placing unnecessary strain on your workforce. Thinking about hiring a few temporary staffers to join your Miami company? Partner with RMG Staffing to find the best hospitality employees in the region every time. We take care of the vetting and training process, so you’re only presented with top-tier professionals ready to work.
The Miami Economic Outlook
After a few less-than-ideal years, the Miami economy is bouncing back. In May, the unemployment rate dropped to an impressive 4.6 percent, marking a notable decrease from the 5.7 percent realized during the same time period in 2015, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data released on June 29, 2016. The Miami leisure and hospitality industry realized notable employment gains, increasing by 3.7 percent. In 2015, a record 15.5 million people visited Miami, spending a total of $24.4 billion locally — a 2.3 percent increase from 2015 — according to data from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. Miami Hotel Industry Nearing Its Peak Hotel revenues and occupancy rates are starting to even out in Miami, causing experts to predict the industry could reach its peak in 2016, according to The Real Deal, a South Florida real estate blog. In 2015, more than 44 million people traveled through the Miami International Airport, which likely contributed to the 6 percent revenue per hotel room increase, reaching almost $153, noted STR data. As of January 2016, an estimated 6,000 hotel rooms were either under construction or soon-to-be, according to the Miami New Times, which will undoubtedly bring many new restaurants, bars, clubs and pools that need to be staffed. More places to stay will encourage even more tourism, as people can’t get enough of Miami’s incredible weather, gorgeous beaches and incredible nightlife. Miami Hospitality Workers Earn Top Wages A bustling hospitality industry doesn’t just mean big profits for Miami business owners. Hardworking hospitality workers earn higher salaries in Miami than in many other cities. In 2015, Miami made the BLS’s top 10 list for highest-paying metropolitan areas for bartenders. The mean annual salary for bartenders is $19,530, as of May 2015, but the Miami average salary for the job is $32,330. Similarly, the BLS defines Miami hotel managers as lodging managers who earn well above the national average for the job. The mean annual salary is $57,810 as of May 2015, but Miami hotel managers take home an average of $100,690 annually. The Miami hospitality industry is truly a fantastic place to be. Whether you’re an employer searching for top talent or a professional ready to take on a new challenge, RMG Staffing is here to assist. Contact us today to find out how we can make your future brighter!
Why Should We Use a Recruiter to Hire?
The Miami hospitality industry is filled with outstanding restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and more that exceed expectations to please its glamorous clientele. If you want your business to succeed, you need outstanding staff willing to make every guest experience truly memorable. Finding employees to staff your business certainly isn’t difficult, as there’s no shortage of people searching for jobs, but you don’t want to hire just anyone. The staff you choose plays a huge role in the ultimate success of your company, so you need the best. Of course, tracking down top talent isn’t always easy. Partner with a staffing agency specializing in the Miami hospitality industry to get it right every time. Focus your efforts on running the hottest business in town, while your recruiter assumes responsibility for all staffing issues. Streamline the Hiring Process The hiring process is incredibly time-consuming, and managing daily business operations is more than enough for you to handle. Stop trying to do it all and let your recruiter assist. Instead of waiting weeks to fill open positons on your team, get the right people in these roles in a matter of hours or days, so productivity doesn’t suffer. After all, efficiency can never take a hit if you want to your business to enjoy continued success in Miami. Gain Access to Top Talent Everyone wants to hire Miami’s leading hospitality industry professionals, so getting these highly coveted professionals to choose your business can be a challenge when hiring on your own. However, when you partner with a leading staffing agency, you recruiter already has deep connections with these talented individuals. They’ll find the perfect person for every job at your company and present it directly to the candidate, explaining why your business is a great fit for their career. Benefit From the Experience of Miami Hospitality Recruiters Miami hospitality industry recruiters specialize in this niche because they know it and are truly excited by it. From the ability to connect you with top talent almost instantly to helping you create a staffing plan to support your growing business, the experience of these professionals is truly priceless. The amount of success you can obtain is truly endless when you combine your expertise in managing your business with their staffing proficiency. Searching for premier service professionals to staff your Miami hospitality business? Contact RMG Staffing. We’re pleased to provide employees with a true passion for the work, who have what it takes to help your business thrive.
U.S. Hotel Forecast Through 2017
Exciting news for the U.S. hotel industry — performance growth is projected through 2017, according to data released in June by STR and Tourism Economics. Hoteliers and employees can rest easy with impressive forecasts signaling strong business. In total, for 2016, the U.S. hotel industry is expected to realize a 0.4 percent rise in occupancy to 65.7 percent, a 4 percent increase in average daily rate to $124.86, and a 4.4 percent revenue boost per available room to $82.07. Additionally, demand growth will likely surpass supply growth during this time period. Of all the Chain Scale segments in the U.S., the Independent division is predicted to see the most significant year-over-year rises in occupancy, ADR and RevPAR. Additionally, the Upper Upscale and Luxury sectors are also expected to realize RevPAR growth greater than 4 percent. Looking Ahead to 2017 Since we’ve already passed the midpoint of 2016, it’s time to start thinking about 2017. STR and Tourism Economics have already begun making predictions for the U.S. hotel industry’s performance in the year ahead, including a 3.8 percent increase in ADR to $129.66, and a 3.8 percent boost in RevPAR to $85.22. Supply and demand are expected to remain at the current rate for 2017. Since 2010, demand growth in the U.S. has outperformed supply growth, and it appears this will not be changing next year. Miami’s Hotel Industry is Booming A destination of the international glitterati for decades, Miami continues to be one of the most popular cities in the world to visit. In October 2015, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) revealed record-breaking travel and tourism numbers for the region. Specifically, Miami and the surrounding beaches saw a 5.4 percent surge in overnight visitors from September 2014 to August 2015. In total, 15.1 million visitors spent at least one night in the area — a notable increase from the 14.2 million during the same time period the previous year — bringing $25.1 billion to the local economy. With consistently sunny skies and an average temperature of 77 degrees, it’s really no wonder so many visitors choose to visit Miami. From world-class restaurants to top hotels, Miami’s hospitality industry is thriving. If you’re a skilled professional seeking new opportunities or an employee searching for premier quality talent, RMG Staffing wants to connect with you. Contact us today to discuss how we can be of assistance to you!
Is Your Workforce Growing? Here’s How to Avoid Culture Shock.
Leading your company through a massive growth phase is simultaneously exciting and terrifying. It’s beyond thrilling to see all your hard work pay off — especially if you’ve helped build the organization from the ground up — but you must make sure this rapid expansion is handled properly. From an employee’s perspective, change often brings uncertainty, causing people to wonder about their future with the company. Your existing team is amazing, and causing them to feel apprehensive about their long-term employment is the last thing you want, so use these strategies to properly prepare them for growth in the not-too-distant future. Keep Everyone in the Loop Gossip and rumors start when employees are kept in the dark, so provide regular status updates on the current state of the company. Share your expansion plans with your team so they understand the direction the organization is headed. Make them feel included by celebrating milestones together, letting them know when you’re hiring and announcing the arrival of new employees well before their first day of work. Clearly Define Each Person’s Role You want your existing team to be warm and welcoming to new hires, so make it clear these people aren’t a threat to their jobs. Explain the reasoning for hiring each new employee and the value the newly added position will bring to the company. Prior to the person’s first day on the job, meet with your team to discuss the new hire’s responsibilities and clearly define each person’s role, to ensure no toes are inadvertently stepped on. Give Employees a Voice As workplace change is a very touchy subject for many employees, make yourself available to discuss any questions, comments, concerns and suggestions they have. Allowing people to be part of the process — rather than holding court in a front row seat — will make them much more engaged and willing to adapt. Focus on Preserving Company Culture Company culture defines your organization, so don’t let it get lost in the mix. It’s inevitable that growth will bring about changes, but don’t allow it to shake your team to the core. You’re probably crazy busy right now, but more so than ever, it’s important to hit pause and focus on keeping company traditions alive. Make a point to continue on with practices that give your company its unique personality, such as beer Fridays, weekly lunch-and-learns and a constant push towards innovation. As the most trusted staffing agency in Miami, you can be certain RMG Staffing will always exceed your expectations. Gain access to leading hospitality industry professionals ready to fill your temp-to-hire, direct hire and payroll staffing positions, as well as temporary staffing for banquet events. Contact us today to get started!
Are You Losing Your Top Performers?
Every person on your team contributes to the success of your company, but you probably have a few star employees who never cease to amaze you. Not only are these people trustworthy and reliable, they work circles around everyone else and always produce amazing results. Receiving a resignation letter from even one of these people is enough for you to enter panic mode. If your top performers seem to be making a mass exit, it’s time to make some major changes. People don’t quit without a reason, so take an honest look at your company’s working conditions to find the problem. Get started by learning a few common reasons top talent opts to head elsewhere. Below Average Salaries People who truly love their work aren’t solely motivated by money, but they have to earn enough to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. The best and brightest professionals know their talents are worth a premium, so if you’re not willing to even meet the industry average, they’ll have no trouble finding a company eager to pay what their worth. Lack of Challenging Work Top performers aren’t content coming into work each day and doing the same mundane job. If you want to keep them engaged, you need to constantly challenge them with interesting projects that really make them think. For these people, work stops being enjoyable when it becomes too predictable. No Room to Grow No matter how much they enjoy your company, the most ambitious professionals aren’t willing to stay in the same position forever. If a highly motivated employee is currently treading water in a dead-end job, don’t expect them to be there too much longer. Create new opportunities at your company for these people to grow their career, so they’re not forced to look elsewhere. Constant Micromanaging Running a business is hard work, so it’s completely understandable you like to maintain control. However, holding the reigns too tight is a great way to send talented employees running. Your best workers have repeatedly proven themselves to you. Stop hovering over their shoulders, and give them the freedom to complete assignments on their own terms. Unhealthy Work-Life Balance Your best employees may really love their work, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need room in their lives for other things. If you constantly force your team to work overtime, veto vacation requests and regularly contact them during their off-hours, you’re not allowing them to enjoy a well-balanced life. If your company has more work than you can keep up with, hire additional staff to share the burden, so your employees don’t succumb to burnout. Searching for quality hospitality employees to staff your Miami business? Contact RMG Staffing. We’re committed to providing top talent who consistently exceed expectations.
The Top Traits of Successful Hospitality Employees
Millions of Americans are employed in the hospitality industry — and many couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. It’s an area with a wide variety of career options, but this field isn’t a great fit for everyone, as a very special personality is needed to succeed. If you’re a professional considering entering the industry or an employer searching for workers to join your team, learn seven traits needed to excel in the hospitality sphere. Personable Most employees in the hospitality industry are frequently face to face with customers, so being friendly and outgoing is a must. If clients are made to feel unwelcome by a rude, unpleasant staff member, they’ll take their business elsewhere. Team Player First and foremost, the job of hospitality industry employees is to provide guests with an outstanding experience. Each staffer has a defined role, but the customer is always the number one focus, so people have to be willing to pitch in anywhere they’re needed. Patient Working with some customers can be trying, but the best hospitality workers are always able to remain calm and collected. Incredibly tolerant, these people don’t sweat the small stuff. Their easy-going disposition always makes guests feel comfortable and appreciated. Good Listener The ability to listen attentively is a must in the hospitality industry. Whether tending to the needs of a guest or taking directions from a supervisor, employees must listen carefully so they can take the appropriate action. Excellent Multitasker Everything moves at rapid pace in this industry, so employees must have the capacity to do many things at once. For example, bartenders must be able to greet customers sitting down at the bar, while making drinks for those who have just ordered. Organized Staying organized is the secret to successful multitasking, so employees need the capacity to put a system in place to maintain order at all times. Everything takes longer when working in a constant state of disarray. Detail-Oriented In this industry, it’s often the little things that mean the most, so staffers must pay attention to every last detail. For example, you want a hotel housekeeper who takes the time to carefully inspect every surface in the room to ensure not a speck of dirt is left, instead of someone who tries to get their job done as quickly as possible. The hospitality industry is a major force in Miami. Whether you’re a professional searching for a new challenge or an employer trying to find top talent to staff your company, RMG Staffing is here to assist. Contact us to today to learn more about our exemplary staffing solutions and outstanding career opportunities in a variety of roles.
Are Your Performance Reviews Effective?
Many managers and employees alike dread performance reviews, but when properly conducted, these meetings can be incredibly beneficial to everyone. If you’re currently brushing this task off as grating formality, it’s time to start taking it seriously. Turnover in the accommodation and food services industries increased from 66.7 percent in 2014 to 72.1 percent in 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, so if you don’t dedicate extra effort to employee satisfaction, your staff won’t think twice about moving on to your competitor. Performance reviews can be beneficial to make your company a better place to work and increase your bottom line. 4 Tips for an Effective Hospitality Industry Performance Review Give Meaningful Feedback Providing employees with vague feedback is helpful to no one, so take the time to gather truly relevant insights. Cite specific examples of things each person is doing well and areas for improvement. For example, instead of commending your bartender for doing great work, praise the person’s ability to make drinks customers rave about on Yelp, keep people engaged in conversation so they spend more money and fill orders quickly. Set Measureable Objectives Similar to giving unclear feedback, setting ambiguous goals creates more confusion than benefits. Get on the same page with your staff by creating specific goals for each person to achieve. For example, instead of asking a server to concentrate on upselling, challenge the person to increase their total sales volume by 10 percent in the next six months. Make it a Two-Way Conversation As the manager, you’re responsible for leading the performance review, but the discussion shouldn’t be one-sided. Use this time to gain valuable insights from each employee. Find out how things are going with the person’s job, ask about skills they’d like to learn or different roles they’re interested in transitioning into, get ideas to better serve customers and see if staffers have any suggestions to make the company more efficient. Meet With the Employee Regularly Holding performance reviews annually is never a good idea, but the hospitality industry’s sky-high turnover levels make it even more important for this to be an ongoing process. Meet with each person on your team at least quarterly — monthly if possible — to touch base. Job satisfaction levels increase when employees know their manager cares, so this can help boost retention rates. These meetings are also a great time to review progress toward goals and make any necessary adjustments. Partner with RMG Staffing to find passionate and engaged hospitality industry professionals to join your Miami company. We offer temp-to-hire, direct hire, and payroll positions and temporary staffing for banquet events.