Hospitality Hiring Challenges in 2025—And How BC Employers Can Stay Ahead

The hospitality industry in Canada continues to evolve rapidly, and 2025 presents a unique set of staffing hurdles for BC employers. As demand surges in a post-pandemic travel and dining boom, labour shortages and high employee turnover remain critical concerns. To stay competitive, employers must adapt to the realities of the current hospitality labour market in Canada and adopt smarter, long-term hiring and retention strategies.

What’s Driving Today’s Hiring Challenges?

The hospitality labour market in Canada is under strain. A reduced pool of experienced workers, an aging workforce, and the increasing cost of living in urban centres like Vancouver are making it harder for restaurants, hotels, and event venues to attract and retain staff. Entry-level roles in front- and back-of-house positions remain the most affected, with employers citing a lack of skilled applicants and inconsistent availability as key pain points.

Adding to these staffing challenges in BC is the fact that many workers are now prioritizing job flexibility, workplace culture, and benefits over wages alone. This shift has left employers scrambling to reconfigure roles and adjust their value proposition to stand out.

Restaurant Hiring Trends to Watch in 2025

One of the notable restaurant hiring trends this year is the increased emphasis on proactive workforce planning. Employers are looking beyond seasonal hiring and aiming to build a stable, year-round workforce. Job security and growth opportunities are being highlighted in postings to attract more committed candidates.

Additionally, automation and digital hiring tools are becoming standard. Employers are using AI-powered resume filters, video interview platforms, and hospitality-specific job boards to reduce time-to-hire and find better-matched candidates. These tools are essential for navigating the fast-changing landscape of hospitality labour market Canada job seekers.

How BC Employers Can Stay Ahead

To overcome staffing challenges in BC, employers need to take a multi-pronged approach:

  1. Start with retention. Reducing turnover is the most cost-effective solution. Create a workplace culture that values flexibility, training, and employee input.
  2. Build a hiring pipeline. Partner with local colleges and training programs to ensure a steady stream of qualified talent.
  3. Use hospitality-focused platforms. Niche job boards that target the hospitality industry can help streamline the recruitment process and attract candidates with the right skill sets—saving time and improving retention.
  4. Focus on branding. Job seekers are looking at more than just pay. Showcase your business as a place where hospitality professionals can grow and thrive.

As restaurant hiring trends evolve, employers who take the time to understand what today’s workers value—and who use the right tools to connect with them—will come out ahead. With careful planning and a proactive mindset, it’s possible to build a resilient and motivated team in the face of any challenge.