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December 19, 2024
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The air is getting crispier, and the holiday season is creeping closer, and with it, the usual high peaks in gift buying. But what if your workload gets crazier with it, or if you need to make some extra bucks to really splurge out? Well, maybe you might need to consider seasonal employment for you or for your workplace.
Seasonal employment can be a good strategy for companies or workers who only require jobs for a few months, whether they’re full-time positions or just part-time. But what are the benefits of this type of job for employees and employers, how can you get one, or what things should you keep in mind if you’re hiring? Keep reading to find out.
In BambooHR’s Glossary, they define “seasonal employment” as temporary work to meet a company’s needs. The “season” can be during peak periods, such as holidays or places that only open during certain times of the year.
Seasonal work can help employers navigate efficiently the peaks of demand without having to keep people on when there’s no need. No seasonal work is year-round, only temporary part-time or full-time.
“Seasonal employment helps employers to staff more efficiently. They don’t have to keep seasonal workers on the payroll during slow times of the year when they aren’t needed.”
On their side, seasonal employees can use this as a side hustle to make extra money or even for unemployed people to get their paycheck while they find a permanent position. It can also be a good option for students who want to gain experience and get a head start on their resume before applying for other job openings.
Regarding benefits, seasonal employment is covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act. This means that it’s required that “employers pay covered non-exempt employees at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked, and overtime pay for all hours worked over 40 in a work week.
In an article for Indeed’s Career Guide, Lewis Kiptanui explores the benefits, types, and step-by-step guides on how to get a seasonal job. The author explains the different types of seasonal jobs that exist and how these are not always dictated by demand.
The truth is that not only students and unemployed people get seasonal work. Some tourism professions are only required in some seasons, like being the caretaker of a mountain-side hotel during winter, or a beach lifeguard.
Others, like seasonal retail jobs or warehouse jobs, are only necessary during high peaks in the economy, such as the holidays, when people tend to go shopping for presents. Many people use these types of jobs to supplement their wages since having a side hustle is always a good option.
Now, seasonal work has many benefits for employees, including improving a resume, reducing employment gaps, supplementing incomes, offering diverse schedules, and even having a full-time opportunity down the line.
To find a seasonal job, Kiptanui advises these steps:
1. Build a network
2. Apply early
3. Weigh your options
ADP put together a quick guide for employers of seasonal workers. This piece focuses on the benefits, laws and regulations, and pros and cons that employers must know before taking the plunge and hiring seasonal workers.
They go on to mention how the Affordable Care Act defines seasonal employees, as they must typically hold their position for six months or less, and their employment period must begin at approximately the same time each year. They go on to say that seasonal workers follow the same tax withholding rules as full-time employees, with the main difference being that they may or may not be entitled to all the benefits.
Benefits depend on the state laws you’re working under, but the three benefits they are generally entitled to are minimum wage, overtime pay, and youth employment laws. All of these vary between singular cases and state and federal laws.
“Seasonal employees may provide financial and practical advantages for an organization. To reap the maximum benefits, employers must take a fresh look at their business operations each hiring season.”
When organizations are looking to take advantage of seasonal work fully, ADP advises four key things to keep in mind: accurate job descriptions, adequate training, hiring with an eye for longevity, and outsourcing recruitment.
Seasonal employment is a great strategy for employers and job seekers who desire flexibility while maximizing efficiency. This type of employment can be leveraged to have a better CV or even as a foot in the door for a permanent position within the organization if employees play their cards right. Companies, on the other hand, can minimize operations costs throughout the year and only hire the necessary hands at the necessary moments.
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