Why Your Staff Quit After Switching to Short-Term Rentals

Hi, I’m Jason, a Business Journalist at Bukit Vista, and today I’m sharing insights from a cautionary tale featured on Bali Business Review. For villa owners considering the jump from long-term to short-term rentals—beware: the biggest hurdle might not be your occupancy rate or pricing. It could be your staff.

The shift from long-term tenants to high-turnover short-term guests isn’t just a change in strategy—it’s a seismic shift in daily operations. As we heard from the Bukit Vista frontlines, “You’re not just changing your business model—you’re changing your team’s entire way of life.” In this article, we’ll explore what that means in practice, why it matters, and how you can make the transition without losing the people who keep your property running.

The Hidden Impact of Changing Rental Models (to Short-Term Rentals)

When villa owners decide to pivot toward the lucrative short-term vacation rental market, their motivations are clear: higher profit margins, better cash flow, and more exposure. What often goes overlooked, however, is how this decision disrupts the staff dynamic. Your housekeepers, gardeners, and villa managers aren’t just employees—they’re the backbone of the hospitality experience.

Here’s what happens when the gears shift:

• Workload Increases: Short-term rentals bring constant turnover—guests checking in and out every few days, requiring more frequent cleaning and upkeep.
• Staff Burnout: Long-term rentals offered predictable routines. Now, your team might be working extended hours, including weekends and holidays, just to keep up.
• Skill Gaps: Staff used to servicing long-term tenants may lack training in guest engagement, hospitality standards, or tech platforms like Airbnb.

This abrupt change often leads to confusion, frustration, and eventually resignation. That’s why many villa owners witness an unexpected revolving door of staff shortly after switching rental strategies.

A Personal Story from the Frontlines Staff

In the video, Bukit Vista shares a real-life example of a villa owner who made the leap to short-term rentals without preparing his team. Initially enthusiastic about the higher income potential, he soon found himself in crisis. First the gardener left, overwhelmed by the increase in daily maintenance. Then, the housekeeper resigned, unable to keep up with the constant cleaning and last-minute guest requests.

This owner was forced to scramble for replacements and suffered declining guest reviews in the process—a costly miscalculation that put his investment on shaky ground.

How to Avoid the Profit-Killing Mistake from Staff Issue

So, how can you make the switch to short-term rentals without sacrificing your team—or your reputation?

• Communicate Early: Let your staff know about the change in advance. Provide clarity on what’s expected and what’s changing in their workflow.
• Invest in Training: Equip your team with the right tools and knowledge to succeed. This includes hospitality etiquette, cleaning protocols, and tech usage.
• Adjust Compensation: Recognize that more work requires more reward. Higher workload demands should be met with competitive salaries or performance-based bonuses.
• Check In Often: Create a feedback loop. Ask them what’s working, what’s not, and how you can support them better.

Final Thoughts

A successful transition to short-term rentals is about more than listing your villa online—it’s about leading your team through a transformation. When you shift your business model, you shift the lifestyle of the people who live and work on-site.

As the video wisely notes, “You’re not just changing your business model—you’re changing your team’s entire way of life.” Embrace that truth, and you’ll create a five-star experience not just for guests, but for the people who make it all possible.

For a deeper dive and more valuable lessons, watch the full video below:

Jason, Business Journalist at Bukit Vista

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