8 Key Solutions to Handle Staff Shortages in the Event Industry

The pandemic may be over, and the worst of the event staff shortage trend may have already eased, but the challenge remains. In 2025, staffing agencies are still grappling with shortages as workers seek better pay and improved work-life balance. If you’re feeling the impact of this ongoing trend, this post is here to help. Today, we explore eight actionable strategies to address and overcome event staff shortages.

Addressing Staff Shortages in the Event Industry: 8 Key Solutions

Addressing staff shortages as fast as possible isn’t just beneficial. It is essential for keeping your staffing agency thriving in today's tough staffing market.  Be it providing better wages, improving job safety, or even being candid about the existing staffing challenge, these practical solutions will set your agency up for success.

1. Offer Competitive Pay and Incentives

A recent report on the motivations and concerns of job seekers found that over 40% of respondents identified pay as their top motivator. There are various factors that may influence this, including rising living costs, economic uncertainty, the desire for a better quality of life, or other personal needs. Nevertheless, one thing is clear for you as a staffing agency CEO or manager, and that is better pay is crucial for today’s workforce, and offering it can be the key to closing staffing gaps.

To attract or retain workers, consider offering signing bonuses and one-time hiring incentives. Competitive wages and benefits, such as health insurance, can also make positions more appealing to applicants than you think.

2. Participate in Job Fairs and Recruitment Events

Just because you work in the events industry does not mean you cannot participate in them, especially job fairs and recruitment events when you are facing staff shortages. These events offer a rare opportunity to connect and engage with diverse potential hires in person. They may also provide insights into improving your current workforce strategies.

In addition, job fairs and recruitment events can be a time-efficient way to attract and screen a larger pool of candidates, as interested job seekers come directly to you. Some of these events may also be available in both in-person and virtual formats, making them accessible and convenient, particularly if you are in the middle of planning events. On top of that, participating in job fairs can boost your visibility and help you position your agency as a reputable and trustworthy employer. 

3. Enhance Workplace Safety and Conditions

Did you know that nearly 2 million American workers are victims of some form of workplace violence every year? Workplace violence can occur across various industries, including the events sector. 

Implementing robust workplace safety protocols is essential not only to mitigate liabilities but also to attract potential job candidates. By prioritizing health and safety measures, you not only create a safer workplace but also a more effective work environment that attracts job seekers and encourages current employees to stay.

4. Consider Adjusting Services

High staffing demands can overpower your team and affect the quality of service. When that happens, it affects not just your staff but your agency as well.

To ease the pressure of staff shortage more effectively, consider adjusting your services or reducing non-essential services during events. For instance, you can bypass having additional staff for guest registration or cocktail hour assistance and use instruction boards to make explaining faster and easier, even if there are just one or two staff administering them. By doing so, you can better allocate your workforce to critical tasks and improve overall staffing efficiency. Consequently, your staff can deliver better results despite the lack of help from other people.

5. Take Advantage of Technology

If you haven’t yet integrated technology into your processes, the current event staff shortage is the ideal opportunity to do so. Technology can significantly enhance efficiency and help bridge gaps when staffing levels are low. Such examples of technologies that can replace on-site personnel include digital check-ins and mobile ordering. Other notable mentions are automation technologies that let you automate scheduling and inventory management at the backend, freeing your staff to work on high-priority tasks. Such technological solutions keep the service quality intact even when there is a shortage of employees. Besides, the integration of technology in operations makes the business more attractive to younger people who value innovation and modernity at work.

6. Address Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace

Over the years, mental health challenges have become a significant factor in why employees are struggling. In case you missed it, 86% of 1,000 U.S. employees surveyed in a report said they either strongly or somewhat agreed that employers have to do more to address mental health needs in the workplace.

To effectively address mental health challenges that contribute to staff shortages, offering mental health support can be a game-changer solution. Some steps you can take include providing mental health resources like books or seminars, conducting regular check-ins, and fostering a supportive work environment for everyone. These actions not only improve the well-being of individual workers but also strengthen your workforce as a whole.

If you want to learn more about why mental well-being is essential in the workplace, be sure to read our post, "A Path to Productivity and Happiness: Why Mental Well-being Matters in the Workplace."

7. Reduce Stress in Your Workforce

Even if you're new to the event staffing world, you are probably aware that working in events is one of the most stressful professions. As a matter of fact, approximately 79% of event professionals report that their job roles are more stressful today than before the pandemic. This pressure is likely contributing to today’s event staff shortage.

To effectively combat stress in your workforce, offering work-life balance, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for professional development can go a long way. It's also important to invest in a positive workplace culture that values employees and doesn't overburden them. Over time, this can result in attracting new hires and encouraging current staff to stay.

8. Communicate Staffing Challenges Transparently

We all know that transparency is the be-all and end-all when it comes to managing expectations and building trust. In the face of staff shortages, being transparent helps you clearly communicate the challenges you're facing to both your staff and clients. This transparency and honesty may not be for all, but it generally makes it easier for most people involved to adjust their expectations, reducing frustration, confusion, and potential complaints.

Looking to hire event staff in 2025? Discover the 8 best practices for successful event staffing in this must-read guide.

Overcome Event Staff Shortages: Simplify and Automate Your Event Staffing Needs With StaffConnect 

Staff shortages are stressful, but here’s a partner you can count on. Introducing StaffConnect, your all-in-one solution to event staff shortages.

StaffConnect effectively tackles event staff shortages with practical features that support your operations, regardless of staff size. Its automated recruitment process quickly sends job invitations, ensuring vacancies are filled efficiently. The centralized database offers easy access to available staff, allowing you to easily identify qualified personnel for specific events. It also has integrated scheduling that allows for easier planning and management of shift staffing to minimize last-minute gaps. Plus, it's equipped with a communication hub that ensures coordination amongst team members and keeps everybody on the same page. And finally, GPS check-in/check-out for real-time attendance to fill all positions.

Want to get to know more of StaffConnect's features? Book your free demo here to learn more!