Temporary staff can boost your holiday business

This guide outlines why temporary staff are a mainstay of business in the the holiday season.

As the festive season approaches, businesses brace for one of the busiest times of the year. For business owners managing teams, Christmas brings both exciting opportunities and operational challenges. A Statista forecast shows that UK retail sales made during the holiday season are expected to jump from £93.5bn to £97bn.

The recent budget announcement has placed renewed emphasis on supporting consumer spending, making this season crucial for maximising revenue and maintaining excellent customer service.

So, what’s the solution to this increase in demand?

Hiring temporary staff to bolster your workforce. Seasonal roles are more than just quick fixes; they are strategic tools to manage demand, reduce employee burnout, and drive business success. Oriel Partners, specialists in PA and temporary recruitment, highlight why hiring temps this Christmas is a game-changer and how businesses can stay competitive in attracting top talent.

Why temporary staff are key in the holiday season

For many businesses – particularly in retail, hospitality, and e-commerce—the festive period means surging demand, tighter deadlines, and increased pressure on existing teams. Here’s why bringing in temp staff can make a significant difference:

1. Managing Seasonal Demand Without Overstretching Your Team
   A surge in activity can overwhelm permanent employees, leading to stress and reduced morale. Temporary hires ensure that workloads are shared evenly, allowing your team to maintain productivity without sacrificing quality. 
2. Flexible, Cost-Effective Staffing Solutions
   Hiring temp staff allows you to scale your workforce up or down to match demand without committing to long-term contracts. This approach is particularly cost-effective for small and growing businesses during peak periods.
3. Enhancing Customer Experience
   Customer service is often the differentiator for small businesses. Temporary staff can fill customer-facing roles, ensuring that shoppers, clients, or partners enjoy a seamless experience during your busiest weeks.
4. A Pipeline for Future Talent
   Hiring temps isn’t just a short-term fix – it can also be a great way to identify talented individuals for future permanent roles. Many seasonal workers prove themselves as valuable long-term additions to a team.

The Budget Announcement: How It Affects Your Seasonal Workforce

The recent budget has underscored the importance of supporting consumer spending to drive economic recovery. For retailers and service-based businesses, this creates a unique opportunity to capitalise on the increased purchasing power of consumers. This is especially important given PwC’s recent prediction of a 5% rise in consumer spending this festive season.

Business owners, particularly those in sectors like retail, events and logistics, can use this as a strategic moment to:

• Expand their workforce to meet surging demand.
• Offer competitive pay and benefits to attract top-quality temp staff.
• Increase operational efficiency to ensure their business stands out during this critical period.

As Olivia Coughtrie, Director at Oriel Partners, explains: “The budget has created an optimistic outlook for consumer spending this Christmas. Businesses that plan ahead and invest in temporary staffing solutions will be best positioned to capitalise on this increased demand while protecting their existing teams. Offering competitive pay and a positive workplace culture will ensure you attract the right talent during this highly competitive season.”

How to Attract the Best Temporary Staff

With demand for seasonal staff at its peak, businesses must stand out to secure the best candidates. Oriel Partners’ research shows that competitive pay, clear roles, and a supportive workplace environment are essential.

Here are some tips for attracting high-quality seasonal staff:

• Offer Competitive Wages and Perks: Many retailers are now offering wages above £12 an hour, alongside perks such as staff discounts and performance incentives. Businesses that can match or exceed these offerings will be more attractive to temp candidates.
• Streamline the Hiring Process: A quick, efficient recruitment process ensures you don’t miss out on motivated job seekers. Agencies like Oriel Partners can help simplify hiring and connect you with pre-vetted candidates.
• Clearly Define Roles and Expectations: Temporary workers are more effective when they have a clear understanding of their responsibilities and goals. Well-structured onboarding, even for short-term hires, can make a big difference.
• Promote Your Business Culture: Temp workers are drawn to businesses that offer a welcoming and supportive environment. Highlight opportunities for learning, development, or future roles to make your business stand out.

Retailers Leading the Way in Temp Hiring

If you’re a business owner looking for inspiration, Oriel Partners’ research has identified the best-paying retailers offering seasonal roles this year. These companies are setting the bar high, showing how competitive pay and a positive work environment can attract top talent:

These brands illustrate how competitive hourly pay and strong workplace ratings can make all the difference when attracting temporary staff. Small businesses, particularly in retail and events, can take inspiration from these strategies to make their seasonal roles equally appealing.

Beyond Retail: Temporary Roles for Small Businesses

While retail dominates the seasonal hiring market, other industries can also benefit from temporary hires:

• Event Support: Businesses hosting festive events can bring in extra hands for logistics, setup and customer service.
• Administration and Office Support: Small businesses preparing for year-end tasks, such as reporting or data entry, can use temps to stay organised.
• Delivery and Logistics: With online sales booming, businesses need reliable workers for packing, deliveries, and warehouse operations.

By identifying where temp staff can make the biggest impact, you can focus on growing your business without overstretching your existing team.

Summary

The festive season is a time of opportunity, and for business owners, hiring temporary staff can be a powerful tool for success. By investing in short-term roles, you can meet seasonal demand, reduce pressure on your core team and deliver exceptional service to your customers.

With insights from Oriel Partners highlighting the competitive wages and trends in seasonal hiring, now is the time to act. Plan ahead, attract the best talent, and set your business up for a smooth, successful Christmas season.