Businesses with seasonal peaks know the challenge: when demand spikes, you need more hands on deck—fast. Whether you run a Christmas tree farm, a pumpkin patch, or a seasonal retail pop-up, managing this demand is key to a successful season. For companies like yours, choosing to hire temp labour offers a flexible, cost-effective way to get the help you need, precisely when you need it. This guide will explore the benefits of hiring temp labour, provide tips on finding the right seasonal staff, and offer insights for businesses that experience holiday demand surges.

 

 

Why Hire Temp Labour?

Temporary staff can be a lifeline during busy seasons. Here’s why hiring temp labour works for many seasonal businesses:

 

Scalability

Seasonal demand is unpredictable. Temp labour lets you scale your workforce quickly and adjust staffing levels as needed.

 

Cost Efficiency

When you hire temp labour, you avoid long-term commitments. You only pay for the staff when needed, saving money and resources. Many temp labour providers also handle all of the temp staff's payroll. 

 

Specialized Skill Sets

Many temp agencies offer workers with specific skills. This allows you to bring in people trained for the exact tasks you need, like forklift drivers or order pickers. Workers with specialized skills need minimal onboarding.

 

Reduced Overtime and Burnout

Hiring extra staff reduces the burden on your regular employees, preventing burnout and maintaining morale.

 

 

Seasonal Businesses That Hire Temp Labour

While Christmas tree farms are a classic example of seasonal demand, many other businesses also experience similar peaks. In the fall, pumpkin patches and Halloween stores become busy destinations, requiring extra help for customer service, checkout, and managing inventory. Holiday pop-up retail shops, from gift boutiques to festive markets, also see intense but short-lived business periods. Temporary staff can assist with sales, customer support, and restocking. Event planning companies, which coordinate holiday parties and gatherings, rely on temp staff for setup, serving, and cleanup. Additionally, ski resorts and winter recreation centers experience a surge in visitors as winter begins, making temp workers essential for lift operations, customer support, rentals, and lodge management. Grizzly Force can help supply these roles through temp labour or contract placements for longer-term staffing needs. By choosing to hire temp labour during these peak periods, businesses can efficiently manage the surge in demand and increase profitability.

 

 

How to Find and Hire Temp Labour

When you need to hire temp labour, reliability can make all the difference during peak season. Here’s how to ensure you hire the right staff for your business:

 

Work with a Staffing Partner

Choosing a staffing partner that understands your industry’s needs can streamline the hiring process. Some, like Grizzly Force, offer easy-to-use software that lets you post and manage jobs from your phone or tablet — giving you more control and flexibility. This can help you respond faster to unexpected demand, so you’re always covered.

 

Define the Roles You Need

Outline the specific roles and skills you need to fill before you start hiring. For example, you might require customer service reps for busy days, or warehouse workers to handle inventory during the rush. Being clear on these needs can help staffing platforms match you with the right candidates.

Consider Workforce Planning Assessment

Knowing exactly how many seasonal workers you’ll need can be challenging. Workforce planning assessments, like those offered by Grizzly Force, can help you assess gaps in your current staffing. New clients to Grizzly Force receive a complimentary workforce planning session, which identifies areas of need and potential roles to consider for peak periods as well as long-term hires.

Train and Onboard Quickly

Temporary workers may not need full training, but a quick overview of essential responsibilities will help them perform better. Cover basics like customer service standards, safety procedures, and daily tasks. This onboarding will set them up for success.

 

 

Best Practices for Managing Temp Labour During Peak Seasons

Managing temporary staff effectively can boost productivity and create a positive experience for your team, the temp labour, and customers. Here are some general guidelines on ensuring a great experience when you hire temp labour. 

 

Work Closely With Your Account Manager

If your staffing provider offers account management, take full advantage of it. Form good communication and lean on them from day one.  Your account manager understands the temp workforce and knows which candidates are best suited to your specific needs. They can handle details like job postings and candidate searches, saving you time and money. Your account manager is on your side and will assist you in a successful experience. 

 

Communicate Expectations Clearly

Let temp workers know what’s expected of them from day one. Clearly outline daily tasks, break policies, and customer service guidelines. Include a member of your permanent staff to act as a company ambassador to the temp labour. The company ambassador can answer any questions the temp staff may have throughout the workday.

 

 

Offer Competitive Wages

In today’s economic climate, temp workers benefit greatly from fair, competitive wages. Offering good pay not only helps attract committed and skilled candidates but also shows respect for the valuable role these workers play. Your account manager should be offering insights into competitive wages within the temp labour market. 

 

Provide a Positive Work Environment

Just because staff is temporary doesn’t mean they should feel undervalued. Treat them as part of the team and thank them for their contributions. If necessary, offer constructive feedback to improve their performance.

 

Keep a List of Strong Performers

Building a roster of top-performing temp workers can save you time and improve your productivity. Grizzly Force offers a unique feature called the Preferred Workers List—a tool that lets you create a customized list of vetted, reliable workers who’ve proven themselves on the job. By keeping a roster of dependable, skilled workers, you can quickly rehire them when demand spikes again, creating a team that’s familiar with your operations and ready to hit the ground running.

 

 

Take Away

Seasonal businesses like Christmas tree farms, pumpkin patches, and holiday pop-ups rely on perfect timing. When you hire temp labour, you’re prepared to make the most of the holiday season, serving more customers and ensuring smooth operations. Hiring temp labour allows you to stay flexible and keep up with demand without the expense of a permanent team. By working with an experienced staffing agency and managing seasonal staff effectively, you can set your business up for a successful, profitable peak season.

 

Did you know that Grizzly Force can help you find skilled workers? If you're interested in partnering with us for your staffing needs, including a free workforce planning consultation, book a meeting with one of our staffing strategists here.