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McKeever Hotel Group has partnered with People 1st International to implement a strategic workforce planning programme across its seven hotels in Northern Ireland.
The group is the first Northern Ireland hospitality business to adopt the Six Steps Methodology to Integrated Workforce Planning, a HR framework originally developed by the NHS.
It includes:
- Defining the plan: Aligning business goals with workforce needs.
- Mapping service change: Designing roles for evolving guest requirements.
- Defining the required workforce: Identifying specific skills and competencies.
- Analysing the current workforce: Assessing existing talent and gaps.
- Action planning: Implementing recruitment, training, and retention strategies.
- Reviewing and evaluating: Measuring the impact on business resilience
The four-week implementation is designed to use workforce data to align staffing levels with seasonal demand, particularly ahead of the peak summer period starting in May.
The programme focuses on identifying skills gaps, designing roles around modern service models, and improving internal staff mobility.
The initiative aims to address structural labour challenges in the hospitality sector, where staff turnover currently sits at 52% compared to a 34% national average.
By moving from reactive hiring to data-led planning, the group intends to reduce reliance on emergency recruitment drives.
The methodology integrates financial performance with HR decisions, allowing the family-owned business to automate certain aspects of role design and career progression tracking.
According to People 1st International, the strategic approach is intended to stabilise business resilience amidst rising cost pressures and changing workforce expectations.
The framework provides tools for right-skilling employees, ensuring that specific service requirements are met during high-occupancy periods without inflating overheads through excessive external hiring.
Kristine Graham, group HR manager at McKeever, said: “We have an abundance of workforce data but weren’t always making best use of it. The programme has enabled us to make informed decisions faster and create opportunities for staff to develop. Ensuring we have the right skills to deliver guest experiences is vital as we gear up for our busiest period. The programme supported us to adopt a structured approach to workforce planning, which is critical for improved retention.”
