Staff shortages in hospitality 2026: what clients need to know
The hospitality sector is growing. Revenue is up, consumer spending is rising and venues are busy. But anyone responsible for staffing knows the numbers tell a different story. The staff shortage has not been solved. It has become structural.
This article covers what is happening in 2026, why traditional solutions fall short and how clients working with staffing agencies can stay in control of their workforce.
The situation in 2026: more jobs, fewer people
The Dutch hospitality sector now accounts for more than 522,000 jobs, a record high. At the same time, over 30,000 vacancies remain unfilled and nearly 40% of hospitality businesses report staffing constraints. Some are forced to close earlier or more frequently simply because there are not enough people available.
The paradox is clear: the sector is growing, but the foundation is under pressure. Clients feel this directly on the work floor.
Why the shortage persists, even when the market picks up
The shortage is not a temporary problem. Structural forces are at play that will not resolve themselves in the coming years:
- A shrinking youth workforce
Hospitality relies on young people aged 15 to 24 for 51% of its workforce. But that group is getting smaller. The Dutch hospitality association KHN warns that the sector cannot structurally solve this shortage as long as there are fewer young people available for the same work. - Post-pandemic exodus
Many workers who left the sector during the pandemic never came back. They found stability elsewhere, in sectors with fixed hours, less physical demand and better long-term prospects. - Changing expectations
Millennials and Gen Z have different expectations of work: flexibility, autonomy and balance. The traditional hospitality shift does not always fit that picture. - Seasonal peaks without a buffer
Demand for hospitality staff fluctuates heavily by season, day and event. That makes workforce planning complex, especially for clients managing multiple agencies without a central overview.
What this means when you work with staffing agencies
For clients who depend on flexible staffing, the shortage hits directly. You call three agencies for one shift. You get inconsistent responses, no reliable overview and three separate invoices afterwards. While all you want to know is: who is showing up tomorrow.
Pressure on permanent staff increases. Absenteeism rises. And the cost of last-minute recruitment goes up, while the quality of your workforce does not improve.
Taking control of your staffing, even in a tight market
You cannot solve the shortage. But you can position yourself to handle it smarter. These are the steps that work:
- Work with one platform, not separate agencies
Felix gives you real-time insight into availability across multiple agencies at once. You no longer need to coordinate yourself. The platform does it for you, transparently and fairly. - Build a dedicated pool
Flexible staff who know your location and way of working perform better and are available faster. Through Felix you can build a fixed selection of workers you already know and trust. - Invest in the work experience, including for flex workers
Staff who feel welcome come back. A positive work culture is not an HR luxury but a staffing strategy. That applies to permanent staff and hired workers alike. - Automate repetitive tasks
Reservations, inventory management, kitchen logistics. Smart technology takes the pressure off your team so people can focus on what they do best.
Ready for what is coming
Demographers expect the hospitality staff shortage to continue until at least 2040. The question is no longer whether you will be affected, but how well prepared you are.
Felix connects clients with the full network of hospitality staffing agencies. No chaos, no loose ends. One platform that delivers overview, speed and the right people in the right place.
That is how we make flex work, even when the market is tight.
