It’s hard to believe, but the “-ber” months have arrived and the most celebrated holidays of the year are right around the corner. ‘Tis the season of increased sales, bookings, and foot traffic that make you shiver in anticipation just thinking about it. To make sure everything runs smoothly, having the right staff to keep up with the holiday demand is critical to making it feel like the most wonderful time of the year.
That’s why working with a staffing firm to find temporary help for the holidays is the best way to avoid a nightmare before Christmas. Many misconceptions surround hiring temporary staff for the holidays, so today we’re debunking 10 common myths about holiday staffing. Let’s clear the air and take a closer look at what’s really going on.
Holiday Staffing Is Only About Covering Peak Times
While many businesses hire extra hands for the holiday rush, covering peak times isn’t the only reason to consider temporary staffing. The holiday season is full of unexpected challenges, from last-minute call-offs to staff taking well-deserved PTO. Having extra team members on call ensures you’re prepared not only for busy shifts but for those unpredictable moments, like a sudden snowstorm requiring extra hands for snow removal or increased cleaning demands. Being ready for anything is the best gift you can give your team and customers.
All Holiday Staffing Is Temporary
It’s a myth that companies only hire temporary workers during the holidays. In reality, many businesses use this season as an opportunity to fill both permanent and temporary positions. Additionally, holiday staffing often serves as a gateway for temp-to-hire opportunities. Companies can evaluate seasonal workers’ skills and fit within the team, turning standout holiday staff into long-term employees after the season ends. The holidays may open the door to more permanent career opportunities than you think.
All Companies Who Request Holiday Hiring Are Short-Staffed
While managing a labor shortage is a key reason companies turn to holiday staffing, it’s far from the only one. Many businesses use the holidays to bring in specialized talent—like a chef with expertise in festive cuisine—to enhance their holiday offerings. Others hire part-time seasonal workers to balance schedules, ensuring their core team is fresh and ready to shine. With the right staffing strategy, companies can plan ahead and thrive through the holiday chaos without scrambling to react.
Permanent Staff Can Handle It Without Extra Help
This isn’t just a myth; it’s a recipe for burnout. The holiday season may bring joy to guests, but it also brings stress to your permanent staff. In 2019, the hospitality and food service industries topped the charts with an employee burnout rate of 80.3%. Your loyal employees can handle the busy season, but should they have to do it alone? Supporting your team with extra staff during the holiday rush shows you value their well-being, keeping them energized and engaged even after the holiday bells stop ringing.
Holiday Staff Are Less Experienced
One of the biggest misconceptions is that temporary holiday staff lack experience. In fact, many seasonal workers choose this flexible lifestyle because it allows them to gain experience in different environments. At LGC, some of our temporary workers have been with us for over a decade, mastering their craft while adapting to diverse roles. These seasoned professionals will not only ease the holiday pressure on your permanent team but also bring fresh energy and expertise to the workplace.
It’s Easier and More Cost-Effective to Find Your Own Holiday Help
It might seem easier to handle staffing in-house, but partnering with a staffing firm like LGC can save time, money, and stress. We take care of the heavy lifting—recruiting, screening, and managing workers—while you focus on running your business. Plus, using a staffing firm is more cost-effective in the long run because we handle the overhead costs of hiring, such as payroll, benefits, unemployment, and workers’ compensation. This ensures you’re only paying for the help you need without the additional burden of administrative tasks, freeing up your resources to focus on delivering a festive and seamless holiday experience for your customers.
The Only Available Jobs Are in Retail
Retail isn’t the only sector needing extra hands during the holidays. From festive banquets to seasonal markets, resorts, and winter events, the demand for hospitality workers skyrockets. Whether it’s staffing a Christmas party, helping out at a winter wedding, or supporting holiday events, there are plenty of opportunities outside of the retail world that require holiday staffing.
Adding Technology Will Be Enough to Fill the Gaps
In the age of AI and automation, it’s tempting to think technology can replace the need for human workers. But in hospitality, the personal touch is irreplaceable. No robot can offer the warm smile and heartfelt connection that guests expect during the holidays. While technology can certainly enhance operations, nothing beats the spirit of a dedicated team making the season special for every guest.
There’s No Reason to Staff Up Early
The holiday season sneaks up quickly, and waiting until the last minute to hire staff is a gamble you don’t want to take. The most sought-after temporary workers are already booking up, and companies are solidifying their staffing plans now. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed—secure your holiday staffing early, so you’re ready to sleigh the season with ease.
Staffing Is Just for the Holidays
Holiday staffing needs may peak in December, but the demand for extra help doesn’t stop once the decorations come down. From year-round sporting events to banquets and large-scale corporate gatherings, businesses need staffing support well beyond the holiday season. Make sure you’re prepared to meet these demands with a team that’s ready for anything, no matter the time of year.
If you need staffing help over the holiday months and beyond, LGC is equipped with the tools to make your holiday season a breeze. Give us a call today and let us help you build a stellar team that will make your business shine brightly throughout the season.
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About LGC
Since 2003 LGC has been building connections between businesses with staffing needs and job seekers looking for new opportunities. Our range of solutions includes temporary and permanent placements (and everything in between) for a variety of industries. With offices located nationwide, we can tap into a dynamic pool of talented professionals. We have a passion for creating partnerships that last and work hard every day to ensure both clients and candidates reach their employment goals.