Start Planning Now! How to Be More Strategic in Your Holiday Staffing

With bright leaves on the trees, pumpkin spice lattes on order, and football every weekend, the Christmas holidays still feel a long way off. But for businesses that experience a seasonal “rush,” they’re closer than you think.

Improve your productivity and morale this holiday season by planning ahead. Work with your staffing firm to create a strategic holiday staffing plan. Here’s how:

  1. Review last year’s results. How well did your temporary staffing plan work during last year’s holiday season? Did you have enough people, with the right skills? Was training adequate? How well did your day-to-day operations continue in the context of the holiday rush?
    Review your information from last year. Then, use these results to communicate with your staffing firm. Let your staffing partner know what worked well and what needs to change.
  2. Talk to your current staff. Permanent staff work better with temporary, seasonal hires when they understand why temporary staff are being brought on board, what permanent staff should do during the “rush,” and who is in charge when a problem comes up or things go wrong. Talk to your current staff about their needs during the holiday season, and work with your staffing partner to find qualified temp workers who can handle the extra work while your permanent staff focus on the day-to-day work they do best.
  3. Don’t skip training. When planning when you will need temporary workers, include adequate training time. When temp workers have the training and orientation they need, they get “up to speed” more quickly and are better able to handle the holiday rush. You may be able to rely on your staffing partner to provide some types of training; don’t forget to ask about training plans when you call.
  4. Keep in touch with your recruiter. The more feedback your staffing partner has, the better he or she can provide the people you need when you need them. Don’t forget to touch base with your recruiter when the seasonal rush ends, or to contact your recruiter with any questions you have along the way.

At THE RIGHT STAFF, LLC, our experienced Twin Cities recruiters will help you find the people you need to make your holiday season a success. Contact us today to learn more.

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