- In-depth analysis of how hospitality businesses can use technology to improve operations, create happier teams, and help grow their business in 2025
- Planday offers actionable insights into how to use different technologies
Planday – shift scheduling software by Xero – has today released its Tech Trends 2025 report. As a leader in the hospitality technology space itself, the report from Planday is an in-depth analysis of how hospitality businesses can use up to date technology to benefit their business in 2025.
From harnessing the power of AI to using ‘green’ technologies to support sustainability initiatives, this report reflects Planday’s commitment to the industry and how it can work with new technologies to create a happier workforce, increase staff retention, streamline operations and ultimately make shift work more human.
As the hospitality industry continues to innovate, technology is becoming an ever more integral enabler of happier and healthier workplaces, and the report offers actionable insights for industry leaders.
The report explores five key areas where technology is set to play a pivotal role:
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is shaking up industries across the globe, and hospitality is no different. Planday has deciphered exactly how AI can help, from increasing the customer experience and analysing POS data to forecasting staffing levels and streamlining recruitment processes.
Pushpa Reddy, Chief Product Officer, comments: “The shift towards AI will not only streamline operations but also enhance the customer experience, allowing hospitality businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, to focus on what really matters: creating memorable moments for their customers.
“We at Planday believe that AI is set to transform the hospitality industry by making SaaS solutions smarter and more efficient. Imagine a world where intelligent systems help hotels and restaurants manage their operations seamlessly—optimising everything from pricing and inventory to staff scheduling and menu planning. Agent-like chatbot experiences will become smarter and handle more customer inquiries, ensuring customers receive quick and helpful responses. Advanced data analytics will provide valuable insights that help hoteliers and restaurateurs reduce costs and scale their operations to increase productivity and customer satisfaction.”
Data
In the modern world, the ability to transform and grow any service business lies in the power of data. In 2025, those in hospitality can use technology to automatically track and analyse data to then streamline operations and maximise profits, which will ultimately generate business growth.
Will Meadows, VP of Experience Design, says: “Data will enable hospitality businesses to create hyper-personalised experiences through detailed preference tracking and predictive analytics. Hotels, for example, can track guests' preferred room temperatures, dining choices, and check-in times across their entire network. Restaurants can use purchase history to suggest menu items and create targeted promotions based on dining preferences.”
Mental Health
85% of workers say they have experienced symptoms of poor mental health in the last 12 months, and Planday’s research shows that only 24% have access to some form of mental health support at work. It’s no wonder that 51% are planning to leave their current role in the near future, whilst 68% are considering leaving the industry altogether.
Planday’s report highlights how businesses can use technology to support mental health through both the use of digital tools such as wellbeing apps and mental health training platforms, as well as streamlining processes and workflows through smart scheduling tools and communication systems.
Sustainability
As the sector continues to target net-zero by 2040, green initiatives and sustainability are very much on the agenda for hospitality businesses in 2025. The report pulls out advances in waste management technology, forecasting technology, water conservation and smart energy systems, to help the industry use technology to support their sustainability initiatives.
Top tech tips to engage employees
Keeping teams happy and engaged at work is vital for a successful hospitality business. Happy teams lead to happy customers, a healthier business and lower staff turnover.
Planday’s report showcases its 10 top tips on how to engage with employees using technology, from having clear online communication channels, using digital training platforms and using online feedback survey forms to foster a feedback culture.
Dave Lee, CEO of Planday, comments: “At Planday we’re on a mission to make shift work more human. And ironically, as we look towards the year ahead, it’s technology that will help us do just that. It should act as an agent, taking strenuous tasks out of your way so you can focus on what you love.”
