Struggling to fill the summer staffing gaps in your company? Discover the secrets to successful seasonal hiring and turn a busy season into an opportunity for growth.
Navigating summer staffing can be a tough nut to crack for many manufacturing and logistics companies. You may be short-handed as permanent employees head off on vacation, or perhaps you need extra help for picking, packing or assembly during a busy season.
That’s where summer hires come in. They offer two main benefits:
back up for your existing team
With fewer hands on deck, the employees who are left shouldering the burden may feel overwhelmed. Temporary workers can fill the gaps, keeping operations smooth and morale high.
a pipeline for new talent
Today’s seasonal packer could be your future logistics manager. Seasonal hiring is a chance to spot standout talent for your company — and to make sure they think of you ahead of your competition when looking for a permanent position.
But with manufacturing and logistics already seeing chronic labor shortages, finding top-notch summer workers can be a tall order. Here are six tips to help you hire the best seasonal talent.
1. get organized now
Many summer job seekers, like college students, start looking for seasonal jobs in advance, so you must get in there before the best candidates are snapped up. Plus, sourcing, screening and training temp workers takes time, particularly for roles that require working with or near heavy machinery. Running late? A staffing agency like Randstad can help you catch up in no time.
2. fast track your hiring
A speedy hiring process begins with a solid job description. Has the job changed since last year? Maybe you’ve automated some tasks and need workers with basic software skills. For high-volume hiring, consider tools like an applicant tracking system to screen and shortlist candidates.
3. partner with local schools and universities
Schools and colleges are great hunting grounds for summer workers, especially if they offer courses related to manufacturing and logistics. Students are always on the lookout for valuable work experience. Make sure you’re up to speed on the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which covers federal provisions for temporary and seasonal workers, as well as guidance on child labor.
4. put effective onboarding and training in place
Manufacturing and logistics workplaces can be daunting for new staff, especially if they’re young and inexperienced. A comprehensive onboarding plan can help seasonal employees hit the ground running and feel part of the team. This also means they’re less likely to jump ship halfway through the season. Train your seasonal employees with the expectation that they can and should perform at the same level as permanent staff.
5. offer competitive pay and benefits
In this job market, the best seasonal workers won’t settle for minimum wage and bare-bones benefits. So, it’s worth being as generous as you can afford. Try to match your competitors’ wages and offer perks like paid time off, performance bonuses and employee discounts.
6. team up with a staffing agency
Let’s face it, hiring seasonal workers can be a chore. Need help finding, interviewing, assessing and training the best temporary hires for your manufacturing and logistics jobs? Contact us today to get your summer hiring off to a sizzling start.