We’re headed into fall, and that means the holiday season, and the hiring that goes along with it, is fast upon us. Although seasonal hiring has been around as long as the season itself, the landscape has changed vastly through the years. If you’re in the market for a job this holiday season, it’s time to get up to speed on this year’s hiring terrain so you can seize the best opportunity.
Holiday shopping is heavily online
No one can ignore the continued rise in online shopping. 85% of consumers will do at least some of their holiday shopping online in 2022, and total spend will likely increase by 11% over 2021 with over 207 billion in US consumer spending.
What does this mean for seasonal hiring?
This shift in consumer behavior most certainly accounts for dips in stores’ hiring needs, but it doesn’t mean seasonal workers aren’t still in high demand. The more likely result is a shift in where those workers are needed, for example, companies may be looking for people to help manage their online inventory or provide customer service from a call center. While some retailers have decreased their seasonal hiring, others show hiring on the rise, indicating that the industry may not necessarily be shrinking, but simply shifting. While some retail stores anticipate less need for hiring in their stores, the demand for warehouse, logistics, online support are at peak.
What’s Different in 2022?
The 2021 holiday season saw the highest year-over-year retail sales growth in the United States in more than 20 years, according to eMarketer. While retail experts say the 2022 holiday season will be even busier, recent inflation and ongoing supply chain issues are changing consumer behavior, impacting the seasonal staffing needs for major retailers and leading suppliers. To account for inflation and possible delivery delays, 37% of American consumers will start holiday shopping much earlier, so demand will increase for seasonal hiring. While the demand for seasonal workers outpaces the supply, you will likely find employers providing better perks & benefits, such as flexible schedules, Higher wages, temp-to-perm options, and discounts / meals to show appreciation.
Visit Jobing.com to view some of the seasonal opportunities available in your area!
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