The holiday season is a prime opportunity for many organizations to boost revenue, promote business, and wrap up the year strong. At the same time, this period can also bring unique challenges, leaving teams strained. So how can businesses stay ahead of the holiday chaos without overwhelming their teams? Keep reading as we break down the most common holiday business challenges and explore practical ways to address them with temp staffing.

Seasonal Business Challenges

1. Increased Demand and Delays

Select industries such as retail, hospitality, and customer service often experience major holiday rushes, requiring extra hands for support. Holiday shopping, travel, and overall increased customer demand can back up the supply chain and service delivery. 

2. Rushed Projects and Deadlines

As the year comes to a close, teams often face more projects and tasks than usual, forcing them to juggle priorities. This increased workload can reduce overall quality, cause delays, and push important budget and strategic planning for the upcoming year to the back burner. 

3. Staffing Shortages and Scheduling Conflicts

During the holidays, many employees take time off to travel or spend time with family, leaving staffing gaps during an already busy period. With reduced coverage, the remaining team often takes on additional work, which can lead to stress, burnout, and a range of operational challenges.

4. Decreased Productivity

During this time, productivity can decline due to fatigue, stress, and distractions. Overloaded employees may struggle to stay motivated and focused, which can negatively impact both the quality and timeliness of their work.

5. Employee Wellbeing 

The holidays are often a stressful time as employees juggle personal and professional obligations. According to the American Psychological Association, two in five adults said their stress increases during the traditional U.S. holiday season. When work demands intensify, people may struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance and suffer from stress and anxiety. 

Seasonal Secret Advantage: Temporary Staff

Provide Extra Support: 

Bringing in temporary staff can support busy departments during rushes and keep everything running smoothly, even during peak times. 

Manage Workloads: 

Temps with specialized skills can assist with seasonal projects or overflow work, helping prevent teams from falling behind and missing deadlines. 

Fill Staffing Gaps: 

Temporary workers can cover absences caused by vacations, sick leave, or scheduling conflicts, ensuring no disruption to operations. 

Maintain Smooth Operations: 

Temps help absorb the extra workload that can slow teams down, allowing departments to maintain strong productivity and smooth operations.

Prevent Overworked Staff: 

By bringing in extra help, temps can ease the burden on your core team, allowing them to enjoy their holidays without feeling overwhelmed. 

Avoid added unnecessary strain and partner with a staffing agency like JOHNLEONARD. Agencies can handle the upfront work, such as pre-screening candidates, conducting skill assessments, and verifying experience, so onboarding is faster and more reliable. Our understanding of roles and workplace dynamics helps match candidates who fit both the job requirements and the company culture. In addition, we can manage payroll for temporary employees, reducing administrative tasks. With dedicated consultants focused on quickly filling positions, organizations can quickly fill gaps. And when a temporary hire proves to be a strong fit, many agencies offer a direct-hire path.

Temporary workers can be the solution your team needs to overcome seasonal overload. Contact our team today to find the support you need and finish the year strong!