Why more hospitality businesses are turning to flexible agency staffing over direct hires to stay cost-effective, adaptable, and ready for anything the industry throws at them
Hiring in the hospitality industry isn’t always straightforward. One day you need an extra pair of hands in the kitchen, the next you’re scaling up for a wedding, private party or corporate event. That’s where the decision often comes in: do you hire directly or bring in an agency?
At Chefs and Events, we’ve supported venues of all shapes and sizes through both approaches. But with rising overheads, unpredictable trading patterns, and growing demand for flexibility, more and more businesses are seeing the value in choosing agency support. Whether you’re planning long-term hires or need experienced staff at short notice, understanding the key differences can help you make the best decision for your team and your bottom line.
The recruitment process looks very different
Hospitality moves fast. Bookings spike, events get extended, or team members drop out unexpectedly. If you rely solely on permanent hires, reacting to those changes can be stressful and expensive.
Agencies are designed to be flexible. Chefs and Events can provide experienced, vetted staff at short notice, helping you adapt quickly to whatever the day throws at you. With us, you can scale your team up or down based on real demand, with no need to carry unnecessary costs between busy periods.
Let’s talk about cost
It’s easy to assume direct hires are more cost-effective because there’s no agency fee. But in reality, they often cost more. There’s advertising, interviews, training, onboarding, holiday pay, payroll admin, and more. If the staff member doesn’t stay, you’ve lost valuable time and money, and you’re back to square one.
With an agency, you only pay for what you need, when you need it. You’re not tied into long-term contracts, and you avoid the overheads that come with permanent staffing. For many businesses, this approach makes staffing more predictable, more efficient, and more financially sustainable.
Quality, consistency, and experience
Hiring directly can work well for long-term development, but it takes time to build consistency. And when things get busy, you need hospitality staff who can step in and perform immediately.
That’s where agency staff shine. Staff such as chefs, servers, bar staff and porters are already experienced, adaptable, and used to hitting the ground running on day one. At Chefs and Events we take the time to understand your venue, so the people we send feel like part of the team from day one.
So which is better?
Every business is different. But in today’s climate, where flexibility, cost control, and time efficiency are more important than ever, working with an agency is often the smarter choice. You get access to skilled hospitality staff without the long-term commitment, stress, or overheads that come with direct employment.
That’s why Chefs and Events advocate for flexible staffing. It keeps your business agile, your service consistent, and your team supported no matter what the day holds.
Looking for hospitality staff?
Whether you need cover for a single shift or a lot of extra hands for a busy season, Chefs and Events is here to help. We make it simple to find reliable, experienced hospitality staff who are ready to work and who represent your venue with professionalism and care.
Let’s take the stress out of staffing.