As December rolls in, the festive spirit blankets the nation, signaling the arrival of the holiday season. For small businesses across various industries, this season brings a surge in customer activity and sales revenue. The increase in foot traffic and online orders presents an opportunity for growth, but it also comes with challenges.
To capitalize on the seasonal demand, businesses need adequate employee staffing. A common strategy to achieve this is to hire part-time workers during the holiday season. In this Huddle Business Capital blog article, we delve into six compelling reasons why hiring holiday workers can be a beneficial move for your business. Additionally, we provide tips for hiring part-time workers and managing payroll effectively in the fourth quarter.
1. Fosters good customer service.
No matter the type of business you operate—be it a retail store, restaurant, or service-oriented establishment—customer service plays a crucial role in determining your overall success. This is especially true during the holiday season, when sales volume typically increases.
Your employees are the foundation of good customer service; they are the primary point of contact between your business and its customers. So, it is important to have enough employees during the holidays to address customer needs, reduce wait times at checkout, and create a positive experience for customers.
2. Fills holiday staffing gaps.
You and your employees might have vacations and holiday gatherings planned during the holidays. To accommodate these commitments, you will need to adjust workplace schedules. By hiring holiday workers for your business, you can ensure that you will have sufficient coverage when you or your employees take time off.
In addition, adding staff during the holiday season can enhance your business's operational capacity. It allows you to extend your hours of service throughout December, a time when customer demand typically increases. By opening earlier and closing later, you can cater to more customers and maximize your fourth-quarter sales opportunities.
3. Helps meet seasonal challenges.
As customer traffic increases during the holidays, you and your employees will need to keep lines moving, process transactions quickly, and maintain well-stocked shelves. Seasonal workers who are focused solely on these and other holiday tasks can provide much-needed support, allowing you and your permanent staff to focus on regular responsibilities.
This approach enhances the overall shopping experience for customers and helps maintain a smooth operation in your business during the hectic holiday period.
4. Helps you find exceptional employees.
Yes, many seasonal workers are in high school or college and can only work during the holidays. However, you might find one or more exceptional employees seeking full-time employment who would be a good long-term fit for your business.
Hiring temporary workers gives you the chance to evaluate potential employees. Those who perform well during peak periods can be considered for permanent roles once the holiday season concludes. Think of it as creating a talent pipeline without the uncertainty of traditional recruiting.
5. Many seasonal workers are highly motivated.
Seasonal workers are often highly motivated individuals. They bring a strong work ethic and enthusiasm to their roles, driven by the need to earn extra income during the holidays. This makes them invaluable assets to your business during the busy holiday season.
Plus, the support that seasonal workers provide can improve morale, reduce stress, and create a sense of camaraderie company-wide. Lastly, hiring part-time help demonstrates to your employees that you appreciate their efforts and time, and that you want to prevent them from becoming overwhelmed during the holidays.
6. More workers = increased productivity.
There are many operational tasks and responsibilities that both you and your full-time employees must manage. By expanding your team during the holidays and allowing more workers to take on specific roles, you can distribute the workload among them. This alleviates pressure on your team and increases productivity.
Investing in part-time workers to boost productivity can benefit your bottom line and strengthen your competitive position in the market.
How to hire part-time employees for the holidays.
Once you determine how many part-time employees your business needs during the holiday season, you will need to write your job postings. Include a detailed job description with a list of tasks and responsibilities, as well as specific hours and shifts, and the hourly pay rate.
You can promote the part-time job openings on your website, on social media, and on some of the well-known recruitment websites. Don't forget to tap into your existing employees' networks (e.g., family members and friends) and consider local community centers or universities where students may be seeking temporary work.
Develop a streamlined interview process to assess candidates quickly. Look for individuals who display a positive attitude, strong customer service skills, and a willingness to learn and work in a team environment. Once you've selected your candidates, provide them with training to ensure they understand their roles and your expectations.
Funding options for holiday staffing.
Hiring extra staff can strain your business's cash flow. The good news is that there are fast, flexible options to help you manage payroll. One solution is a working capital loan, which can provide the funds you need to cover payroll expenses. With this type of loan, you will receive a one-time lump sum and make predictable monthly payments over a set time frame.
Another option worth considering is a business line of credit. A credit line enables you to borrow funds for payroll at any given time, and you only pay interest on the amount you've drawn.
Disclaimer.
This Huddle Business Capital blog article is purely educational and contains general information and opinions; it is not intended to provide advice or recommendations of any kind.
