As Fall is just barely getting its bearings, it may seem a little too early to talk about the holidays. But for companies that experience their busiest time during November and December, now is when they have to start planning and even hiring to meet their holiday workforce needs.
A recent Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) article indicates that “Seasonal Hiring in U.S. Might Be as Surprising as Those Holiday Gifts.” And the expected surge is not limited to retail. The article refers to a recent survey by research firm Ipsos Affairs that polled hiring managers including those in the office/business, customer service, and healthcare industries. The survey found that 47% are starting their seasonal hiring in September.
This may be a good time to ask your clients if they are considering increasing their workforce in anticipation of a busy holiday season. If the answer is “Yes,” you may want to suggest contract staffing. By hiring contractors, they can quickly add workers without having to mess with employee paperwork. And when things slow down, they can easily end the seasonal contract assignments. Or if they find someone they really like, they can convert them to a direct-hire employee, resulting in a nice conversion fee for you. Now that’s a happy holiday!
