Right now you might be focused on fitting in a final summer vacation, or soaking up those last rays of sun before the kids go back to school. Holiday staffing might be the last thing on your mind. But it should come as no surprise that the holiday season will be upon is before we know it. While for many the holidays mean good cheer, food, family, and presents galore, for many businesses they mean something altogether different: a huge uptick in business, and significant increase in staffing levels.
As an employer, ensuring you have the right staff in place is crucial for a smooth and successful holiday season. Here are some tips to help you gear up for holiday staffing now, and make sure it goes smoothly.
1. Start Early
We feel like a broken record, but we mean it when we say preparation is key when it comes to holiday staffing. Begin your planning and hiring process as early as possible – like, ASAP! This gives you (or the staffing firm you engage to hire temporary staff) ample time to recruit, interview, and train new employees, ensuring they are fully prepared for the busy season.
2. Analyze Previous Seasons
Look back at previous holiday seasons to understand your staffing needs. We all know what a big impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on every industry, so it’s helpful to look back at holiday seasons before and after 2020. Analyze order and sales data, customer traffic patterns, and employee performance to identify peak times and areas where you may need additional support. This historical data will help you make informed decisions about how many extra staff members you’ll need and where they should be allocated.
3. Leverage Multiple Recruitment Channels
Cast a wide net when recruiting holiday staff. Utilize online job boards, social media, local blogs or print publications, and community bulletin boards to advertise your job openings. Don’t be afraid to get creative, like partnering with a local community college to attract students looking for seasonal work. The more channels you use, the higher your chances of finding the right candidates.
4. Offer Competitive Incentives
The holiday season is competitive for hiring temporary staff, so offering attractive incentives can help you stand out. Consider providing higher hourly wages, seasonal bonuses, or employee discounts. Flexible scheduling can also be a significant draw, especially for students and individuals looking for part-time work.
5. Focus on Training and Onboarding
Once you’ve hired your seasonal staff, invest in thorough training and onboarding. Ensure that they understand your products, services, and customer service standards. Provide clear instructions on their roles and responsibilities, and offer support through hands-on training sessions. That even holds true if you’re getting an assist from a staffing agency. Well-trained employees are more confident and effective, leading to a better customer experience.
6. Foster a Positive Work Environment
A positive work environment is essential for maintaining morale and productivity during the busy holiday season. Encourage team building and communication, recognize and reward hard work, and create a supportive atmosphere. Happy employees are more likely to provide excellent customer service and stay committed throughout the season.
7. Plan for Flexibility
Despite your best efforts, the holiday season can be unpredictable. Be prepared to adjust your staffing levels as needed. Have a contingency plan in place for unexpected surges in demand or employee absences. This might include having a list of on-call employees or temporary staffing agencies that you can rely on in a pinch.
8. Communicate Clearly
Clear and consistent communication is vital during the holiday season. Keep your staff informed about schedules, expectations, and any changes that may arise. Regularly check in with your team to address any concerns or issues promptly. Effective communication helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.
9. Evaluate and Reflect
After the holiday season, take the time to evaluate your staffing strategy. Gather feedback from your employees and managers to understand what worked well and what could be improved. Reflecting on your approach will help you refine your strategies for future holiday seasons. And hey, you might even have found some permanent members of your team.
Preparing for holiday staffing can be challenging, but with early planning, effective recruitment, comprehensive training, and a positive work environment, you can ensure a successful and stress-free holiday season for both your business and your employees. Start gearing up now, and you’ll be well-equipped to handle the holiday rush with confidence and ease.
Don’t feel like you have time to handle the onerous job of staffing up for the holidays? Contact DPI Staffing today! We have more than 20 years of experience in holiday staffing, from providing production workers and forklift drivers for busy warehouses to customer service agents for call centers.
