Report Explains Why You’re Waiting Longer For A Table in Southern Utah

Do you find your wait times at restaurants in Southern Utah seem longer than usual or you show up to eat and find the place closed? A report about Utah's tourism industry shows businesses experiencing a high number of staffing problems all over the state.

Staffing Shortages: The Challenge Facing Southern Utah Businesses

Southern Utah in particular reported 69% of respondents describing their business as understaffed. The northern part of the state was still high with 58% describing the need for more workers to run at peak performance.

At the same time they report higher costs in hiring and retaining employees. This makes sense as there is more demand for a shrinking workforce the demand goes up. It is even harder looking for seasonal employees during the summer months.

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Business Strategies: Adapting to Workforce Challenges

As a business owner, you only have a couple of options. Work the people you have more or reduce the hours you are open. Often local businesses choose a combination of the two to make it work.

I talked with a local business owner in the restaurant business. He has bee looking for a head cook for months now and says there just aren't that many available candidates out there. He has made due by working more hours himself.

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This isn't new to Southern Utah. There have been many seasons of growth that have put a strain on local business trying to find workers. With all the competition for qualified people, there tends to be a lot of turn over.

I'm actually surprised how good service is in most establishments when I know they deal with the same issues. I'm grateful for the quality places that serve great food with good service on a regular basis.