People 1st International has launched a new development programme designed to help hospitality and tourism organisations strengthen their workforce planning capability.

Six Steps to Strategic Workforce Planning equips leaders with the practical tools and structured approach needed to connect workforce decisions to business performance.

The programme uses the Six Steps Methodology to Integrated Workforce Planning®, an approach originally pioneered within the NHS to support large-scale workforce planning and now being adapted for hospitality and tourism businesses.

The launch comes at a time when workforce pressures remain a major challenge for employers across the sector. Recent research shows that around 60% of UK restaurant owners report concerns about labour shortages heading into 2026, while hospitality continues to experience some of the highest staff turnover rates of any UK industry.

Recruitment alone cannot solve workforce challenges. Organisations need the capability to understand workforce demand, identify future skills gaps and make more informed decisions about how their workforce should evolve.

McKeever Hotels leads the way

McKeever Hotels has become the first tourism and hospitality business to adopt the Six Steps Methodology to Integrated Workforce Planning®.

Through participation in the programme, leaders across the family-run hotel group began applying the methodology to better understand workforce demand, connect workforce data to operational performance and develop a more structured approach to workforce planning.

The experience has already begun to influence how workforce decisions are made across the organisation.

Commenting on the programme, Group HR Manager Kristine Graham from McKeever Hotels said:

“The biggest impact of the Six Steps to Strategic Workforce Planning programme was moving workforce planning beyond HR and into the wider business. It gave our managers the tools and confidence to connect workforce data to operational performance and apply it in everyday decisions. They’re now thinking differently about recruitment and workforce design, focusing on internal progression and building long-term capability. That shift is critical for retention, mobility and resilience, and I would strongly encourage other organisations to engage with the programme.”

Supporting hospitality businesses to plan ahead

Roisin McKee, Director of Northern Ireland at People 1st International says the approach will help hospitality businesses take a more strategic view of their workforce.

“In a sector facing persistent recruitment challenges, changing workforce expectations and rising cost pressures, aligning workforce decisions with business performance is crucial.

“People are at the centre of delivering first class guest experiences and so workforce decisions in hospitality tend to affect service delivery and financial performance more acutely.

“Adopting a more strategic approach supports hospitality businesses to be less reactive and avoid the need to embark on a costly recruitment drive in the run up to peak season. The approach benefits employees too – enhancing retention, professional development and staff rotas.”

Flexible delivery with recognised accreditation

Six Steps to Strategic Workforce Planning is delivered through a series of focused modules that enable participants to apply learning directly within their organisation between sessions. The programme can be delivered either in-house for organisations or as an open programme, allowing businesses to send one participant or a small group.

Participants develop a tailored workforce plan, supported by practical templates and tools that can be applied immediately within their business.

The programme is accredited by ICQ Awards, providing participants with a recognised certification demonstrating their capability in applying structured workforce planning approaches.

Enquire about the programme