Does your business have a busy season? It might if your industry is retail, landscaping or catering, and that means you may need temporary workers. Here are several tips on how to add those workers quickly to your staff during your busy seasons.
Prepare and Plan
Unless this is your first year in business, you know when your busy seasons fall. Take time during the slow periods to prepare for the hiring surge.
- Decide how many employees you need.
- Outline job duties and write detailed job descriptions.
- Write your help-wanted ad and identify in-print and online job boards.
- Clear time in your calendar to conduct interviews.
- Set up a training program.
Hire a Temp Agency
Screening employees requires a big chunk of your time and valuable resources. Consider working with a firm that specializes in temporary placements; they can handle sourcing, screening and initial hiring.
If you want to read more about risks and coverage related to temporary help, see Temporary Staffing Agencies: Risks, Worker Safety, and Insurance Coverage.
Start a Referral Program
You already have a team of great employees. Reward them for referring people they know, like and trust; they are likely to refer quality candidates since their reputations are on the line.
When starting your referral program, determine the reward. It can be cash, a day off when business slows down, or another high-value prize. Decide how many referral rewards each employee can earn, and then follow through and award the prizes as promised.
Recruit on Local Colleges
Local college campuses have students who need extra cash and typically have flexible schedules, so recruit your next temporary workers there.
Contact the administration or student employment office to share your job openings, participate in job fairs, or post job ads on campus bulletin boards.
Offer Retention Bonuses
You invest time and resources in finding and training temporary workers. A retention bonus encourages them to remain on your staff after the busy season and to be available for future peaks.
Decide whether the bonus can be large or small based on what you can afford, and consider bonuses for temps who remain available to cover large orders or staffing gaps.
Also consider reviewing relevant coverage options for temporary staff; for example, see Staffing Insurance and Temporary Staffing Hired and Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) Insurance to ensure you understand common exposures.
These tips can help you quickly fill seasonal employment voids so your business can fill orders and meet customer demand. If you want personalized help, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start hiring seasonal workers?
Begin planning and recruiting during slow periods so you can screen candidates and set up training before your busy season starts.
Should I use a temp agency or hire directly?
A temp agency can save time if you lack hiring capacity, while direct hires may be cheaper long term; weigh screening time against cost and continuity needs.
What incentives work best to retain temporary staff?
Retention bonuses, flexible scheduling, and clear communication about future opportunities are effective and appreciated by temporary workers.