When it comes to hiring seasonal employees, business owners tend to fall into two groups. Some look forward to hiring temporary workers, knowing that the need for seasonal workers reflects a busy season. Others view it as a necessary evil to get through periods of heavy workload when the permanent workforce is lean. Unfortunately, the attitude is often that seasonal employees are temporary and, therefore, not as skilled or knowledgeable as permanent staff.
It’s time to challenge that attitude. There are real benefits to hiring seasonal workers, both for your business and your existing employees. When you take a step back and observe, hiring seasonal employees is actually a win-win-win situation. You, your permanent employees, and the seasonal employees you hire all stand to benefit from this arrangement.
Read on to learn some of the perks that come with seasonal employees.
Save Money on Payroll
When business is humming along, the amount you spend on payroll doesn’t matter because it’s necessary. But many businesses experience slow phases at least once a year, if not more.
During these slow times, payroll can become a significant drain on your financial resources. You’re committed to your regular employees, so you have to provide them with work, even when business is slow.
By maintaining a lean workforce during slower periods, you ensure there’s enough work to go around. Then, when the busy season arrives, you can scale up with seasonal employees.
This strategy keeps your workforce proportional to the level of business activity, which is good for your bottom line.
Recent trends show that businesses increasingly rely on flexible staffing models to optimize costs. This approach helps manage budgets, especially in uncertain economic climates where business cycles are unpredictable.
Get to Know One Another
Seasonal employees often become regular employees because it’s an excellent way to offer trial employment to those who shine during the interview process. You gain valuable insight into how they perform in real-life situations.
It’s also a great way for the seasonal employee to try working for you. Some applicants may find that a job that seemed appealing on paper doesn’t meet their expectations in practice.
A seasonal employment agreement is a short-term way for both parties to get to know each other. If the arrangement works out, you can offer permanent employment when the time is right. If not, neither party is obligated to continue after the season ends—no hard feelings.
The trend of converting seasonal employees to permanent staff is on the rise, particularly in industries like retail and hospitality. This approach minimizes hiring risks and improves retention rates, as employees who transition from seasonal to permanent roles often show higher job satisfaction and loyalty.
Create a Happier Workplace
An overworked employee can quickly become an unhappy one. One of the easiest ways to ensure that you’re not overburdening your permanent employees is to hire additional help when needed.
This ensures that the workload is manageable and that everyone gets the breaks and time off they need. Seasonal employees bring fresh energy, introduce new perspectives, and provide an opportunity for your team to connect with new people. It’s a positive arrangement that benefits everyone involved.
Current workplace studies emphasize the importance of work-life balance in employee satisfaction. By supplementing your team during peak times, you help maintain this balance, boosting overall morale and reducing the risk of burnout.
Get a Good Return on Your Investment
Since seasonal employees are temporary, there’s no need for a complete onboarding process. You can focus solely on what the seasonal employee needs to perform their role effectively, saving time and resources.
Streamlined onboarding processes, enhanced by digital tools and automation, have made it easier and more cost-effective to bring seasonal workers up to speed quickly. Industry reports indicate that electronic onboarding can reduce training time by up to 50%, allowing seasonal employees to contribute effectively right from the start.
Final Thoughts
With electronic onboarding making the hiring process easier, there’s little downside to hiring seasonal employees. Including them in your staffing plan makes good financial sense, allows both parties to get to know one another, and brings fresh energy to your business.
