Typically, the assumption in employee screening is that, once a professional has been vetted and approved, he or she will work with a given company for, at minimum, several months. While this is true of many businesses, certain industries call for the seasonal hiring of temporary employees. Seasonal work is particularly prominent in the retail and distribution industries, where the holiday season necessitates an expanded workforce. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 39 percent of retailers hired temporary employees during the 2013 holiday season.
Businesses requiring the assistance of seasonal employees often back off on standard screening practices, reasoning that employees will only be around for a couple of weeks or, at most, a few months. This can be a disastrous mistake, resulting in weak employees, some of whom may leave employers stranded by quitting in the middle of the busy season. To avoid this problem, employers need to remain proactive with screening, ideally getting a head start on the seasonal hiring process.
Look To Rehire High-Quality Employees
One of the easiest ways to avoid hiring issues is to encourage high-quality employees to return during future busy seasons. If possible, consider keeping these staff members working on a part-time basis throughout the year, amping up hours during the holiday season or other busy months. Some employers find it beneficial to ask student employees to return, often having these staff members work extra hours when they are on break from college. A dedicated group of returning employees will minimize screening and employee training requirements, making it easier to focus on a smaller group of new hires.
Begin Seasonal Hiring And Screening Early
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to secure return employees for seasonal gigs. As such, it is vital for employers to have solid plans for acquiring new talent long before the busy season arrives. Although it is impossible to know exactly how many employees will be required during a rush period, employers can make rough predictions based on past experiences. It may be prudent to get the word out about jobs for seasonal hiring long before the busy season arrives. This will eliminate the need for the risky last-minute hires capable of jeopardizing an otherwise successful business.
Ultimately, no matter when the hiring process takes place, employers need to remember that thorough pre-employment screening is every bit as important for seasonal hiring as it is for the hiring of permanent staff members. All employees represent a company’s brand and thus, need to be held to the same standard.
Disclaimer Statement: All information presented is never intended as legal advice and is for information purposes only.
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