Supervision in the Hospitality Industry- AHLEI Practice Test

Which type of staff positions are most likely to have schedules that vary with hotel occupancy changes?

1. A. Compressed staff positions

2. B. Variable staff positions

3. C. Shared staff positions

4. D. Fixed staff positions

The correct answer is: B. Variable staff positions

Variable staff positions are those that adapt to the needs of the hotel, primarily influenced by occupancy levels. In the hospitality industry, occupancy can fluctuate due to seasons, events, or holidays, which necessitates a workforce that can increase or decrease based on demand. For instance, during peak seasons or major events, variable positions may require more staff to maintain service quality, while in slower periods, these positions may see reduced hours or fewer employees scheduled. This flexibility allows hotels to optimize labor costs while ensuring that they can meet guest service expectations. Other types of staff positions do not have this same level of adaptability; for example, fixed staff positions typically involve staff that have a set schedule regardless of occupancy, which does not align with the dynamic needs of variable positions. Understanding this concept is crucial for effective workforce management in the hospitality industry.