Palanga businesses face severe staff shortages ahead of summer season

Businesses in Palanga, a popular Lithuanian seaside resort, are grappling with a significant shortage of workers as the peak summer season begins. Recruiters are actively seeking candidates for positions such as chefs, kitchen staff, waiters, bartenders, room attendants, and hotel receptionists, with many companies extending their search beyond local residents.

"Palanga businesses are facing a major employee deficit, so since April, we have not only conducted in-person recruitment for local residents but also sought individuals from other cities willing to work by the sea," said Jurgita Petraitienė, Customer Service Director at Klaipėda. She noted that dozens of interested individuals participated in remote recruitment events from various Lithuanian cities.

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Palanga businesses are facing a major employee deficit, so since April, we have not only conducted in-person recruitment for local residents but also sought individuals from other cities willing to work by the sea.

Employers are demonstrating increased flexibility, offering temporary employment opportunities even for roles that previously required long-term commitments. For positions like room attendants, cleaners, chefs, and sales staff, some businesses are willing to hire individuals solely for the summer period, intending to find permanent employees in the fall. The food service and accommodation sectors are particularly affected, with around 20 companies seeking chefs and head chefs, and a similar number looking for kitchen assistants and fast-food cooks. Over 10 employers need room attendants, and about 10 are hiring waiters and bartenders.

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Palanga is growing – we receive more guests each year, the city's infrastructure is improving, and businesses are actively investing in hotel renovations, new spa centers, restaurants, and other services. Along with the growing tourism flow, the demand for qualified employees also increases. This year, this demand has been more apparent than ever – many hotels and restaurants began their staff search as early as January to assemble strong teams before the season.

Laura Taučiūtė, President of the Palanga Hotels and Restaurants Association (PVRA), stated that the staff deficit in the resort's hospitality sector remains a major challenge annually, but the situation this year is exceptionally difficult. "Palanga is growing – we receive more guests each year, the city's infrastructure is improving, and businesses are actively investing in hotel renovations, new spa centers, restaurants, and other services. Along with the growing tourism flow, the demand for qualified employees also increases. This year, this demand has been more apparent than ever – many hotels and restaurants began their staff search as early as January to assemble strong teams before the season," Taučiūtė explained. The shortage of qualified specialists has become one of the biggest problems for the entire hospitality sector.

Employers are also concerned about trends such as employees switching jobs or leaving employment just before the season starts, or hired individuals failing to show up for work. Furthermore, undeclared work in the private accommodation sector, where individuals receive wages while retaining social benefits, distorts competition and hinders legitimate businesses from maintaining stable teams. Palanga also faces a shortage of healthcare workers, with 20 vacancies for physiotherapists registered this year.

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The shortage of qualified specialists has become one of the biggest problems for the entire hospitality sector.