The short-term rental industry is one of the most competitive segments of global travel. Behind every seamless stay are the managers, cleaners, and service providers who make it happen.
To understand how this work is evolving, Breezeway surveyed 350+ hospitality professionals across 23 countries for the 2025 State of Work Report. The findings reveal that operational work is more complex than ever, with teams juggling hundreds of tasks, daily last-minute changes, and rising expectations from both guests and owners.
Here are five key takeaways from the report that matter for every operator, big or small.
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1. AI reshaping tasks, not replacing jobs
Most operators don’t see AI as a replacement for human work, but as a tool to help teams work smarter.
- 67% of operators believe AI will change their jobs in the next few years.
- Only 3.6% fear AI will replace their role.
Rather than automating hospitality out of existence, AI is starting to power the behind-the-scenes workflows that keep teams aligned. From turning data into actionable tasks to suggesting next steps in real-time, AI’s role is about reducing friction, not removing people.
2. Balance automation with human touch
Automation is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s the backbone of operational performance. But operators know the end goal isn’t 100% automation, it’s 0% friction.
- Nearly half of operators (47.8%) report that more than half of their workflows are already automated.
- 85.8% say technology makes their job easier.
The real opportunity lies in balance. Automation handles repetitive tasks like scheduling and messaging, while people focus on personal touches, judgment calls, and local expertise, i.e. the very things that define great hospitality.
3. The people doing the work are your greatest asset
Technology and processes can only go so far without the people on the ground. Hospitality workers, cleaners, inspectors, maintenance techs, and guest services are the ones turning properties into experiences.
- The majority of operators say their motivation comes from delivering great guest and owner experiences.
- 33% cite personal pride as their primary motivator.
- Yet nearly 1 in 5 (18.4%) report receiving no formal recognition for their work.
For operators, keeping teams motivated means more than just recognition. It requires listening, coaching, and empowering staff with the right tools and training so they can succeed. When people feel valued and supported, they’re more likely to go the extra mile, solve problems quickly, and deliver the kind of service that drives loyalty from both guests and owners.
4. Operational work is more complex
If it feels like the work is harder than ever, the data backs it up. The operational load continues to grow, leaving little margin for error and making collaboration essential.
- 73% of operators complete more than 50 tasks per week.
- Nearly half (45.5%) encounter last-minute guest issues every single day.
- 90% say their work involves constant coordination with other people.
Success in 2025 and beyond requires workflows that help teams stay aligned, anticipate disruptions, and manage increasing volume without burning out.
5. Guest and owner expectations are higher than ever
It isn’t just the workload that’s rising; expectations are too. Guests and owners alike are holding operators to higher standards, with less tolerance for even small slip-ups.
- 85.5% of operators say guest expectations have increased over the past two years.
- 79% say owner expectations have also risen.
Meeting these demands consistently requires both operational rigor and a people-first approach.
The bigger picture
The 2025 State of Work Report makes one thing clear: success in short-term rentals isn’t measured at the point of booking. It’s built through the daily work of operations teams who balance efficiency with care, leverage technology wisely, and never lose sight of the human side of hospitality. And as expectations continue to rise, the operators who thrive will be those who invest equally in their people, their processes, and their technology.