McKeever Hotels has implemented the Six Steps Methodology to Integrated Workforce Planning. The group operates seven hotels across the island of Ireland. This marks the first use of the approach by a tourism and hospitality business in Northern Ireland. The methodology originated from NHS workforce planning.

The initiative aims to align staffing levels with demand, redesign roles, strengthen internal progression, and anticipate skills gaps. Group HR Manager Kristine Graham stated that the business now uses its workforce data to make faster decisions and create staff development opportunities. She noted the need for right skills to deliver guest experiences during the busy summer period starting in May.

The programme lasted four weeks and was delivered by People 1st International. Northern Ireland Director Roisin McKee led the delivery. McKee said the approach aligns workforce decisions with business performance and reduces reliance on last-minute recruitment. She added that it supports employee retention, development, and rotas.

Hospitality faces high staff turnover at 52 percent in Northern Ireland, above the UK average of 34 percent. Janice Gault, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Hotel Federation, said the sector's pressures are structural. Gault indicated that labour shortages top concerns for leaders and proactive planning positions organisations to grow.