Seasonal work is great for those looking to supplement their income during slower times. Seasonal work is common among teenagers and college students during the summer and school breaks, and it is also a viable option for individuals with part-time jobs looking to increase their income. When looking for seasonal work, it might be helpful to have an understanding of how these jobs operate and what is required to land one. This article explains what seasonal workers are and how long you can keep them. We also added everything you need know about the salary of seasonal workers. Enjoy the ride!
What is Seasonal Employment?
When businesses need to satisfy the temporary demands of a specific task at a specific time of year, they often turn to seasonal workers. In the winter, when snow is prevalent, snow plow businesses need drivers, and in the summer, when pools are open, centers need lifeguards. Seasonal employment is perfect for anyone who needs or wants to supplement their income during slower times of the year. Teenagers, college students, and people working in other fields on the side are all included here.
How does Seasonal Employment Work?
During busy times of the year, businesses often need extra help, and seasonal workers may provide that. Although there are some full-time roles available, part-time work makes up the majority of seasonal employment. Jobs that are only available during certain times of the year, or are seasonal in nature, are considered transitory.
Seasonal employment opportunities vary in duration from industry to industry, but often last between two and three months. As a result, the company can raise its workforce to meet the increased demand and then reduce it when the seasonal contract ends. Seasonal work tends to happen around the same time every year; for example, ski areas hire more people in the winter, and stores get busy during the December holidays.
When to Apply for Seasonal Work
You can usually start looking for seasonal work well in advance of the season’s beginning. If you want seasonal employment during the winter, for instance, you might want to start looking in the fall. Seasonal employment applications can be submitted at any time, not just at the start or end of the season. Some workers may decide to leave the company in the middle of the season, creating a continuous need for seasonal workers.
What Are Seasonal Workers?
Seasonal workers get temporary jobs that occur at the same time each year. Some companies, for instance, use seasonal workers to assist with the influx of clients during peak seasons. And then there are the seasonal jobs that seasonal workers do that are directly related to the weather, which in turn affects consumer spending and the demand for workers. In the winter, when snow is prevalent, snowplow firms need drivers, and in the summer, when pools are open, centers need lifeguards.
There are several factors that seasonal workers should consider before taking any of the seasonal jobs. One of them is to increase financial stability. Seasonal workers also look for seasonal work in order to supplement their income. Seasonal work is an attractive option for some students since it coincides with breaks in their academic schedules. A seasonal job is a terrific way to supplement your income without taking on additional responsibilities.
Industries That Recruit Seasonal Workers
Seasonal employment can be found in a wide range of industries, and there are many various kinds of seasonal work available, so people with a wide range of skill sets and hobbies can easily find seasonal work. The following are industries that regularly recruit seasonal workers:
#1. Agriculture
Historically, agriculture has relied on seasonal workers. In this industry, there is a busy season and a sluggish season due to the timing requirements of tasks like sowing, tilling, and harvesting.
#2. Delivery Services
In order to fulfill the increased demand over the holiday season, many delivery businesses will hire seasonal workers. UPS, Amazon, the United States Postal Service, and FedEx are just a few examples of these companies.
#3. Tourism
Resorts and other nearby areas near beaches, scenic areas, and other popular summer attractions tend to see the majority of their tourists between May and September. For instance, seasonal waiters, hosts, and cooks are in high demand in hotels and restaurants in tropical regions. Surfing and ice skating are two examples of seasonal sports that you can teach in high-traffic regions. Some places, including those with good skiing and winter landscapes, see an increase in visitors during the colder months.
#4. Temporary
Many different types of temporary jobs are available on the market, and many of these are directly tied to what employers are looking for. An accounting business, for instance, might need more assistance when tax time rolls around. There are temp agencies that specialize in finding seasonal workers for their clients.
#5. Retail
Due to a rise in foot traffic in the fall and winter, many establishments recruit seasonal workers to help out. Shoppers looking for Halloween decorations, costumes, and treats for their children could visit a business specializing in the holiday during the fall. Black Friday, a retail event celebrated annually in the winter, is another good illustration.
#6. Construction
The construction business is another popular one for seasonal workers. Spring and fall are peak seasons for construction enterprises, especially those that operate in regions with particularly hot and wet summers. There may be a seasonal uptick in the need for heating contractors in areas that experience colder temperatures.
#7. Ski Resorts
Many enterprises that operate only during particular times of the year use seasonal workers. Ski areas are a frequent example because they can’t operate without snow. Since demand for labor is at its highest during their busy season, it drops to almost nothing during the off-season.
Steps Seasonal Workers Need to Take To Get That Seasonal Job
There is plenty of seasonal employment to be had, but it may take some time and effort to find one that truly excites you. The following are the steps to take to get that seasonal job you want:
#1. Connections
You might want to tell those you know in the professional world, as well as your friends, family, and coworkers. Make sure they know when you can start, for how long, and in what fields you would like to work. Finding seasonal work can be easier if a friend or acquaintance can recommend a business or individual that is hiring.
#2. Start Your Application Process Early
Your chances of securing seasonal employment may improve if you apply early. For the upcoming Christmas season, for instance, you can begin your job search and application process in the autumn. Before the start of the season, several businesses publish job announcements seeking seasonal workers.
#3. Consider Different Options or past Employers
Making as many applications as possible will help you land seasonal work. A place that has hired you for seasonal labor in the past could be another option. An increase in responsibility or a raise in compensation could result from an employer’s recognition of your efforts.
#4. Prepare for Your Interviews
You can increase your chances of getting a seasonal employment offer by preparing for interviews ahead of time. Start by practicing answers to typical interview questions and doing research on the firms to which you’ve applied. You can also practice for the interview by doing a “mock” interview with a trusted friend or family member and receiving constructive criticism.
Where Do Seasonal Workers Stand Legally?
It is imperative that you, as an employer, are aware of the regulations that apply to seasonal workers. Hiring seasonal workers for the first time can be intimidating, but with some preparation, you’ll be well on your way to a successful season.
#1. Seasonal Workers Salary
The salary of seasonal workers may or may not be exempt from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) (follow the links for more information on exempt and non-exempt workers). Some seasonal enterprises are exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) minimum wage and overtime rules for their employees. When deciding whether or not seasonal workers are entitled to overtime pay and the minimum wage, it’s important to take into account the nature of their work.
#2. Benefits
Employers are not required to provide seasonal workers with the same benefits as year-round workers by federal law. However, these workers may be eligible for benefits based on their terms of service. Determine whether or not the ACA requires the provision of any particular benefits to these workers.
#3. Correctly Classify Seasonal Workers
Knowing how to properly categorize seasonal workers might be challenging. You could, for instance, treat them as freelancers. Incorrectly labeling an employee as an independent contractor might lead to legal trouble, so it’s important to examine all aspects of their work.
Advice on Recruiting and Supervising Seasonal Workers
Many successful strategies exist for recruiting and supervising seasonal workers. Despite their short tenure, seasonal workers should be recognized as integral parts of the team. Finding your way around this system for the first time might be challenging, but looking at how other companies have succeeded can give you a leg up.
#1. Communicate What You Expect
It’s crucial to lay out the terms of employment and expected contributions when bringing on seasonal workers. Make this a requirement out front in the job posting, during the interview process, and in the written agreement. At the time of employment, get an agreement in writing to keep on file.
#2. Train Managers
Ascertain that managers have received the necessary training on how to interact with and oversee these workers. Managers need to be informed of how to deal with accommodation requests and avoid discrimination and harassment claims because most rules still apply to these workers. Managers should also be aware of any relevant seasonal employee policies in their own organization.
#3. Treat Seasonal workers Well
Seasonal workers are often treated differently because of the general understanding that they are only there temporarily. Giving seasonal workers the same consideration as year-round workers:
- Helps maintain their mental health
- boosts efficiency and employee happiness in the workplace
- Prevents any charges of prejudice
- Makes consumers more likely to recommend your business to others
- Boosts the possibility that they’ll want to come back next year
The Pros of Having Seasonal Workers
The advantages of employing seasonal workers are numerous. While some of these factors may be more relevant to the company than others, all of them should be considered. The following are pros of having seasonal workers:
#1. Flexibility
Employers can have greater workforce flexibility by hiring seasonal workers. It provides flexibility in hiring decisions such as timing, workforce size, and tenure.
#2. Cost-effective
When workers are needed for a limited time only, it is not cost-effective to recruit them on a full-time basis. Hiring seasonal workers can save money by avoiding the need to pay for full-time workers and then letting them go when business slows down.
#3. A Test of Employment
Seasonal employment can be used as a trial period to determine whether or not an employee would be a good long-term fit.
The Drawbacks of Seasonal Workers
There are many positives to using seasonal workers, but there are also some drawbacks. As you think about bringing on seasonal help, it’s crucial to weigh all of your options.
#1. Reduces Salary
Seasonal work sometimes pays less than year-round work because it typically requires less in the way of skills, education, and experience.
#2. Less Training
Due to the short duration of their employment, seasonal workers typically receive less in-depth instruction. It’s possible that the training these workers receive is of low quality because their employers know they’ll only be there temporarily and don’t want to waste money on them.
#3. Time Commitments
In many seasonal positions, employees must put in extra hours or work at inconvenient times. If a business receives the most foot traffic on weekends, for instance, it may require its seasonal workers to put in extra time on those days.
#4. Involvement Reduction
Temporary workers tend to be less dedicated to their employers than permanent staff. The efficiency and effectiveness of the workforce may suffer as a result.
#5. Risk of Legal Complications
There may be legal complications because seasonal work is different from year-round work.
How Long Can You Keep Seasonal Workers
The duration of a seasonal position might range from three months to a year, depending on the nature of the work and the time of year. If you’re working at a lake resort during the summer season, for instance, you can probably count on being there for three to four months. It’s possible that you may start working in October or November for a company that needs you only until the beginning of January if you’re being employed during the Christmas season.
What Does Seasonal Worker Mean?
Temporary labor that occurs only at specific times of the year is known as seasonal work or seasonal employment. It’s usually temporary, though there are some full-time seasonal openings. Seasonal workers are needed by businesses like summer camps that are only operational at specific times of the year.
How Do You Classify a Seasonal Employee?
Seasonal workers are those who tend to work during the same time of year each year because of a spike in demand. Seasonal workers are defined as those who work for an employer for a total of six months or less during any given year.
What Are the Benefits of a Seasonal Job?
- Provides financial support.
- Gets your foot in the door.
- Allows you to “try on” a job.
- Fills gaps on your resume.
- No long-term commitment.
- Builds your skills.
- Grows your network.
Final Thoughts
The impression left on managers and coworkers remains important, even if seasonal employment is only temporary. Employees are expected to act properly even if the main objective is to make extra money and gaining experience is not a top concern. Seasonal workers who demonstrate exceptional dedication by performing as though they were permanent employees often receive glowing references and even offers of permanent employment.
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