Seasonal Workers

Seasonal Workers (in gig economy): Employees hired on a short-term basis to meet seasonal demand.

Seasonal workers are employees hired specifically to help businesses handle increased demand during particular times of the year. Unlike temporary workers who might be employed year-round for various projects, they typically work during defined peak periods that follow predictable annual patterns. For example, in retail they are essential during the holiday shopping season, while in agriculture they are critical during planting and harvest times.

The demand for seasonal workers spans across multiple industries. Retail stores hire extra to manage holiday crowds and increased sales volumes. Agriculture relies heavily on extras for planting and harvesting crops. The hospitality industry brings additional staff in to handle tourist influxes during peak travel periods. Tax preparation firms hire more workers for tax season, while summer camps and recreational facilities need seasonal workers during warmer months.

Benefits of Hiring Seasonal Workers

Organizations gain several advantages when employing seasonal workers:

Cost efficiency: Companies can maintain optimal staffing levels without the year-round expense of full-time employees
Flexibility: Businesses can quickly scale their workforce up or down based on seasonal demands Expertise: Returning staff brings valuable experience and require less training
Peak period coverage: Maintain service quality during high-demand periods

Management strategies

For employers to make the most of their seasonal workforce, consider these proven strategies:

Recruitment and Retention

Start recruitment early, ideally reaching out to previous seasonal workers first. These experienced hands already understand your operations and can hit the ground running. Create detailed job descriptions that clearly outline responsibilities, work schedules, and compensation. Building a positive work environment helps ensure quality workers return year after year.

Training and Onboarding

Develop a structured onboarding program specifically designed for seasonal workers. While time might be limited, proper training is essential for maintaining service quality and safety standards. Consider creating reusable training materials that can be efficiently deployed each season.

Legal Considerations

Employers must understand the specific regulations, including wage laws, working hours, and benefits requirements. This becomes especially important when hiring internationally, where additional visa and compliance requirements may apply.

How we can help

Zelos is a simple scheduling app that can help your seasonal staff self-schedule. When full-time employees take precedence in the roster, you need an easy way to fill the open shifts. Sign up for a free account on our website and see how we can support your scheduling needs.