How To Hire Seasonal Employees: 8 Steps for Success
It’s often challenging for small businesses to attract seasonal staff. Cherie Habashi, Head of People and Culture at small business lender OnDeck Australia, explains how brokers can help.
Australia’s low unemployment rate of 4.1%[1] may be great news for consumers, but it’s proving a headache for small businesses as we head into the festive season. Yet having suitably skilled staff is critical to make the most of the peak trading period of the year.
Brokers can play a key role, helping small businesses access the funds they need to attract, train and retain a skilled team.
To start those conversations around funding for seasonal staff, let’s look at eight steps small businesses can take to build a strong team over the holiday period.
1. Start recruiting early
Christmas and the holiday season can present staffing challenges. Permanent staff often want to take leave, and competition is strong for casual and part-time employees.
That’s why it pays to act early.
Business owners shouldn’t wait until extra help is needed to start looking for extra people.
2. Write a great job description
In a labour market that favours candidates, a job description needs to tick several boxes. It should clearly outline the role and expectations of the position. It should clarify that the role is seasonal, and specify likely hours and pay rates.
Importantly, a job description needs to be enticing, describing the company’s culture and the benefits of working there.
This is an area where funding can help. Employee perks such as attractive uniforms, a modern workplace and professional training can make a small business a more attractive place to work.
3. Create a great recruitment strategy
A successful recruitment strategy goes beyond posting a ‘Positions vacant’ sign in the window.
Small businesses should take advantage of job boards and leverage social media.
It is also worth thinking about offering rewards, such as a cash bonus or gift card, to current employees who refer successful candidates.
4. Offer competitive benefits and pay
Given the choice between two employers, seasonal workers will often opt for the one with the most attractive pay.
So, there’s a lot riding on the remuneration being offered.
However, don’t overlook non-monetary benefits. Flexible work hours and other perks can help a small business attract great staff.
5. Rehire returning employees
Reaching out to seasonal employees from previous years can be a low cost recruitment strategy.
Returning employees already know the business, and fit the company culture, which can help streamline the onboarding process. A great seasonal worker could even become the business’s next great permanent hire.
6. Offer training
Training comes with costs but it should be considered an essential investment that gives new hires the skills they need to work effectively.
Creating a formal training program will ensure all new recruits are properly onboarded and understand their duties.
Businesses that have a large volume of seasonal help coming in at the same time, may want to take advantage of group training so that time is not being spent individually training each new employee.
7. Conduct exit interviews
Conducting exit interviews before farewelling temporary staff is a way to gather valuable feedback on what the business can do to make year-round improvements.
8. Invite good people back for next season
Inviting seasonal employees to return next year can be a useful retention strategy that adds a layer of stability and experience to your workforce.
Encourage seasonal workers to stay in touch via social media so that they remain engaged with the business.
The takeout for brokers
While many seasonal recruitment strategies are low cost, many small businesses can benefit from additional funding to ensure they have the best staff on hand to navigate the busy holiday period.
But with Christmas fast approaching, the time to act is now.
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OnDeck’s Lightning Loans, available from $10,000 to $175,000, come with a fast and simple application process with businesses only required to provide six months’ worth of business bank statements upfront, and a personal guarantee. Approved businesses can have their Lightning Loan funded in hours. For larger loans, our Lightning Loans Plus offers up to $250,000 in funding. And as an added end of year bonus, we’re offering our brokers a special incentive with up to 6.6% (incl. GST) commission on loans settled until the end of December 2024.” Brokers can learn out more at www.ondeck.com.au/partner/promotions For more information head to OnDeck’s broker webpage , email broker@ondeck.com.au or call OnDeck’s broker support team on 1800 676 652 (Opt.5) . |
For more information head to OnDeck’s broker webpage , email broker@ondeck.com.au or call OnDeck’s broker support team on 1800 676 652 (Opt.5) .
[1] https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/employment-and-unemployment/labour-force-australia/latest-release
Important: This information has been prepared by OnDeck for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, business, workforce or other advice. Content may belong to or have originated from third parties and OnDeck takes no responsibility for the accuracy, validity, reliability or completeness of any information. Please consult with a qualified advisor for advice specific to your situation.
