The holidays deliver a spike of open positions, and based on past year trends, warehouse and retail jobs will likely ramp up rapidly as the shopping season approaches. 80% of hiring managers from US companies surveyed with 100 to 500 plus employees report they wished they had direct access to verified temporary employees, according to research by Indeed Flex.

The holiday season can be a hectic time for businesses, often leading to increased demand for temporary staff. Here are some strategies to attract more temp workers during this peak period:  

1. Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay: Ensure your hourly rates are competitive with other businesses in your area.
• Benefits: Consider offering additional perks like employee discounts, flexible scheduling, or referral bonuses.

2. Highlight Flexible Scheduling:

• Shift Flexibility: Offer a variety of shift options, including part-time, full-time, and weekend-only positions.
• Remote Work: If possible, consider allowing temporary employees to work remotely, especially during peak holiday periods.
• Scheduling Tools: Use online scheduling tools to make it easy for employees to view and request shifts.

3. Provide a Positive Work Environment:

• Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate job duties, expectations, and company culture.  
• Recognition and Appreciation: Acknowledge and reward hard work and contributions.  

4. Leverage Multiple Recruitment Channels:

• Social Media Advertising: Create targeted social media ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to reach potential candidates.
• Job Fairs: Attend local job fairs and networking events to connect with job seekers.
• Employee Referral Programs: Incentivize current employees to refer qualified candidates by offering bonuses or rewards.

5. Start Recruiting Early:

• Anticipate Needs: Assess your historical staffing needs during the holiday season to determine how many temporary employees you’ll need.
• Create a Recruitment Timeline: Develop a detailed recruitment timeline to ensure you’re reaching out to candidates in a timely manner.
• Build Relationships with Staffing Agencies: Establish relationships with reputable staffing agencies in your area to have a steady supply of qualified candidates.

6. Offer Training and Development:

• Onboarding: Provide comprehensive training to ensure new hires are prepared.  
• Upskilling Opportunities: Offer opportunities for employees to learn new skills.

7. Partner with Staffing Agencies:

• Expertise: Leverage staffing agencies’ expertise in finding temporary workers.  
• Streamlined Process: Agencies can handle the recruitment and screening process.  

By implementing these strategies, employers can increase their chances of attracting and retaining quality temporary staff during the busy holiday season.