Every week we comb through the news to find employment trends affecting the hospitality industry so you don’t have to. This week’s topic: what managers need to know about staffing for the holidays.
Despite knowing when the major holidays are, it seems like they sneak up on us every year. Back to school season hits and then before we know it, the end of the year is upon us. Though most people hoped 2021 would be the year we returned to normalcy (and to be fair, it’s been more “normal” than 2020, that’s for sure) we’re still dealing with the effects of the pandemic.
Hospitality has faced several challenges over the past (almost) two years. Most notably were the shutdowns that caused thousands of restaurants to close temporarily (and some permanently). But now the most prevalent challenge continuing to face the industry is hiring and staffing. But it’s not just hospitality that’s dealing with staff shortages; retail stores, warehouses, and other businesses are feeling the impact of what many are calling The Great Resignation.
Every year, businesses ranging from restaurants to mom-and-pop shops to big name stores hire seasonal employees to handle the holiday rush. It’s estimated this year that several hundred thousand workers will be needed to combat the busy season. But with the staff shortages we’re seeing across the country, where will these workers come from?
Staffing for the holidays
The best option for businesses who have concerns around staffing for the holidays is to reach out to a staffing partner for assistance. If you’ve never worked with a staffing firm before, there are a few things you need to know, which can be found here. To summarize, staffing companies like LGC partner with businesses to fill their open positions, often on a temporary basis.
Partnering with a staffing agency often lowers costs related to hiring and saves time you’d typically have to spend on recruiting and interviewing. Most importantly, you have access to a diverse workforce who’s looking for various types of employment. But considering the nationwide employee shortage and the high demand for workers this holiday season, how do staffing firms find and place workers? Here’s how LGC attracts workers amid a challenging hiring climate:
We offer flexibility and choice
Over the past several months, workers have been reporting that their priorities have changed due to the pandemic. Now more people are prioritizing their free time and a better work life balance. LGC’s workers have the option of when and where they work – meaning there’s a lot of freedom when it comes to choosing what shifts they work. In order to account for this freedom and flexibility, our recruiting team keeps our talent pipeline full for when we need to increase hiring efforts. That’s why LGC is a great choice when staffing for the holidays.
We have a nationwide network
Besides giving us the ability to place staff around the country, having a nationwide network affords LGC the opportunity to employ a diverse staff with a wide variety of skills. Not only that, but we can better target passive candidates as well through referrals and community outreach. This makes staffing for the holidays much simpler.
We have a mobile app for worker ease
Part of what makes us unique is LGC Now. LGC Now is a staffing engagement tool that includes a mobile application for workers and a web application for clients. Using the mobile app, employees can benefit from an easier onboarding experience, browse/select shifts, and manage their hours. By using the mobile app, LGC employees have more control over their experience, leading to higher engagement and retention rates.
Right now, workers are spoiled for choice when it comes to looking for a new job or side gig. So many businesses are offering signing bonuses or higher pay to attract workers, yet thousands (if not millions) of positions remain unfilled – which means that better compensation may not be the end all be all answer to the hiring woes.
When staffing for the holidays, keep in mind that right now workers want flexibility. If you can’t provide that, a trusted staffing partner like LGC can help. Contact us today to learn how we can make sure you’re fully staffed this holiday season.