ADAPTIVE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN THE HOTEL AND RESTAURANT BUSINESS UNDER CONDITIONS OF LABOR SHORTAGES

Abstract

The article examines the features of adaptive personnel management in the hotel and restaurant business under conditions of labor shortages intensified by martial law, migration processes, demographic changes, and labor market transformations. It is substantiated that providing hospitality enterprises with qualified human resources is one of the key factors determining their competitiveness, economic resilience, and service quality.

The study analyzes contemporary scientific approaches to personnel management in the HoReCa sector and identifies the main factors contributing to labor shortages in the industry. It has been established that the most significant causes of staff shortages include external and internal migration, mobilization processes, high employee turnover, emotional workload, employment instability, and changing value orientations of the modern workforce. Particular attention is paid to the impact of martial law on the functioning of hotel and restaurant enterprises and its consequences for workforce availability.

The research investigates the motivational characteristics of Generation Z employees, who are gradually becoming the dominant workforce group in the hospitality industry. It is determined that, in addition to financial incentives, they highly value opportunities for professional development, flexible working conditions, a digital work environment, psychological well-being, and a positive corporate culture. The necessity of transforming traditional personnel management approaches in accordance with the expectations and needs of younger generations is substantiated.

The paper considers modern tools of adaptive personnel management, including employer branding, digitalization of HR processes, internal training, the development of cross-functional competencies, improvement of employee onboarding programs, and the formation of an effective corporate culture. It is proven that the implementation of comprehensive HR strategies contributes to higher employee engagement, reduced staff turnover, and greater organizational stability under crisis conditions.

The study concludes that adaptive personnel management is an important instrument for overcoming labor shortages in the hotel and restaurant business and requires a combination of flexible managerial approaches, digital technologies, modern motivational mechanisms, and employee retention strategies. The implementation of these approaches creates favorable conditions for improving the operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness of enterprises in the HoReCa sector.