Research from Indeed Flex, among 1,200 workers and 1,200 seasonal hiring decision-makers across the US and UK has found a significant shift in workers looking for extra income and retailers gearing up to meet seasonal demand.
More than half of workers (57 per cent) are considering extra work during the holidays, with the rising cost of living unsurprisingly being cited as the number one driver by nearly half of workers (44 per cent). Compared to last year, 73 per cent of workers say they’re more likely to take on additional hours or even a second job this season, with retail roles and freelancing being the most popular choices.
Employers, meanwhile, are preparing for one of their busiest times of the year. Despite the volatility of the current economy, nearly half of retail, logistics and hospitality businesses (48 per cent) expect an increase in holiday demand, and just over half (51 per cent) plan to bring on more seasonal staff than they did last year. The most common focus is on customer support roles (56 per cent) with warehouse and logistics roles coming up close behind, a clear reflection of the continued shift toward e-commerce.
As employers ramp up their hiring efforts, one persistent challenge stands out: reliability. Over half of seasonal businesses (56 per cent) say that worker attendance is their biggest hurdle when it comes to filling shifts. While wages will always be a motivator, workers suggest that flexibility could be a solution, with 39 per cent saying that having more flexible scheduling would make seasonal jobs more attractive to them.
“Retailers are under pressure to meet higher demand with leaner resources, while workers are under pressure to earn more to keep up with costs,” said Novo Constare, CEO and Co-founder of Indeed Flex. “Flexibility is emerging as the bridge between these needs. Employers who embrace adaptable scheduling and faster pay options will be better positioned to attract and retain the reliable talent they need this holiday season.”
