How to successfully manage seasonal staff

Seasonal staff are crucial to the smooth running of hospitality and retail organisations. This is because of the significant peaks and troughs in demand for services which require additional resource for a set time.

So, whether you’re a theme park hiring staff for the summertime – or a restaurant that needs extra support during the holiday season, you’ll likely experience the many challenges associated with management of these staff. These include, high levels of turnover, disengagement, a lack of direction and more.

In this post we’ll offer five tips to address these challenges:

1. Be clear about job expectations

From day one, make sure your seasonal staff understand their roles, responsibilities and where they fit into the team. This can be in the form of a written job description in-person training, or both.

Be sure to clarify work hours, dress code and other important policies.

2. Communicate regularly

seasonal staff

Communication is key to an engaged workforce. So, whether it’s seasonal or full-time staff, make sure you’re providing a number of touch points. This could be communicating shift patterns and important updates via an online rota software – or regular feedback via face-to-face or email – regardless, all will help seasonal staff feel included and motivate them to improve.

3. Offer incentives

It is important to motivate your seasonal staff to work hard and stay with your company for the duration of the season. Consider offering incentives such as bonuses or prizes for top performers.

4. Provide tools and resources

Make sure your seasonal staff have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. This can include training materials, equipment, and technology.

5. Creative a positive work environment

Lastly, remember that a positive work environment is crucial for success. Encourage positivity, teamwork, and camaraderie among your seasonal staff. Consider planning team-building activities or social events to foster a sense of community and morale.

By following these tips, you can ensure a successful season for your business and your seasonal staff. Remember, it’s not just about the work – it’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive and succeed.