Tips For Managing Your Holiday Workforce

Tips For Managing Your Holiday Workforce

Tips For Managing Your Holiday Workforce

Today is the first day of November which means that the holiday season is no longer just around the corner - it is upon us. And along with the holidays (and Black Friday) comes the hiring of a seasonal workforce for the retail industry. For most seasoned retail managers, the process comes easy, but for those new or just entering the process a good amount of stress can ensue.

In an established retail environment, a manager knows what to look for in prospective employees. They look for good "people" people who can help customers find what they are looking for, provide a good customer experience and expedite the buying process. But aside from hiring the right employee, managing them to their fullest potential is critical as well.

With a seasonal workforce, there are three crucial aspects in managing a seasonal workforce: training, setting the right expect expectations, and time and attendance management.

Step 1: Training

Training is of course the first step with any workforce (and not just seasonal). Making sure that your employees have the right tools to give your customers the right experience is essential. In your training, you should include a healthy section of product knowledge, proper protocols for using cash registers, POS systems, etc., and how to escalate situations to the right authority. When your customers have the right tools in their tool box, then their potential will shine through.

Step 2: Setting the Right Expectations

Once seasonal employees know what to do, they need to know how well they are expected to do it. Expectations are one of the most important elements in managing a seasonal workforce. What are their sales goals, customer satisfaction rating requirements, etc.? Setting the bar and holding them to it will bring out the best in your employees (both seasonal and non-seasonal).

Step 3: Time and Attendance Management

The third and final component is managing an employee's time and attendance. While attendance management is something you do with all your employees, seasonal employees should be managed with a watchful eye. Holiday employees are there for just that, the holidays. So, if they are running late, taking long breaks or missing work, they aren't serving their purpose. You also run the risk of pushing your regular employees into overtime. So, it is important to watch the clock and monitor their behavior.

Finally, if you hire a seasonal employee that hits all three steps out of the park, you've got a real gem and a gem that might be worth bringing on to a regular status. Welcome to the holiday season everyone!

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