Tag Archive for: temporary staffing

The Employer’s Guide to Staffing Seasonal Employees

Many businesses rely on seasonal employees to survive busy times. Whether it’s hospitality workers during vacation months or package handlers during the holidays, there are plenty of companies needing seasonal employees all year long.

Here’s what you need to know about making your job easier when staffing seasonal employees.

Hire early

The sooner you start thinking about your seasonal needs, the more likely you are to be fully staffed when the busy season arrives. Starting early gives you the best chance at hiring qualified candidates eager to help you meet your temporary staffing goals. If you wait until the last minute, your vetting process will be rushed, and you may be stuck with less-than-stellar candidates. Having job ads ready to go for your most common positions will help you be prepared when the next busy season arrives.

Compensate seasonal employees fairly

You will need to comply with all standard employment laws when hiring seasonal employees. Additionally, you should ensure that compensation and treatment is in line with how you treat your other employees. If permanent employees know their schedules at least two weeks in advance, so should seasonal employees. If there is a discount at the office café, all employees should benefit. Seasonal employees will understand that they aren’t receiving health benefits or accruing paid time off, but they deserve to be treated equally where possible.

Manage seasonal employees as if they were permanent staff

Just because the employee will only work with you for a few months doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to form a friendly relationship. Don’t dismiss complaints or fail to provide seasonal employees with all the resources they need to do their jobs well. If your seasonal employees won’t receive certain items or perks that permanent employees do – e.g. reserved lockers or key cards – explain why upfront. Do your best to create an environment where everyone feels committed to the team.

Set clear expectations

On the flip side, seasonal employees may think they can get away with more because they aren’t permanent staff. Seasonal employees should understand they will be held to the same standards as permanent staff. Let them know an approximate end date so that candidates with other commitments know whether they are eligible for work. If there’s a chance for some seasonal employees to be hired permanently, let them know the standards management will review to determine who remains after the season or who will be hired again next year.

Keep notes on the best seasonal employees

Seasonal employees are an excellent place to find your next great hire. Seasonal work serves as a tryout period where you can see who performs best and who fits into your workplace. If an employee doesn’t meet your expectations, he or she will be gone in a few short weeks. If you aren’t able to offer any seasonal employees a job once the term ends, make notes on who your favorites were. Give them a call first next time you have an opening and remember them for your staffing needs next season.

One of the easiest ways to handle your seasonal staffing needs is by working with an experienced staffing agency like Award Staffing. Let us know how we can help you meet your seasonal and permanent staffing needs.