As small business owners, we know that the summer season can bring a surge in business in New Zealand. Obviously, hospitality and retail have to be prepared for a surge, but all trades, entertainment, agriculture, transport, and logistics also routinely see a spike in activity during the warmer months. So after our difficult winter, having a well-prepared team to manage this uptick is crucial. At FixHR, we’ve seen the power of effective onboarding for seasonal employees. This is a worthy blog topic as it can make all the difference in ensuring smooth operations and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. We want to do everything we can to contribute to that!
Why Onboarding Matters
Onboarding isn’t just about filling out paperwork and showing new hires where the toilets are and where to restart the router if the internet drops out! It’s about integrating them into your team, setting clear expectations, and providing the tools they need to succeed. This is especially important for seasonal employees who need to hit the ground running.
Start with a Warm Welcome
First impressions count. Make sure your new seasonal staff feel welcomed and valued from day one. A friendly introduction to the team, a tour of the workplace, and a small welcome pack can go a long way in making them feel part of the family. Give us a call if you are not clear on the kinds of things to include in such a “pack”.
Clear Communication is Key
Seasonal employees need to understand their roles and responsibilities clearly. Provide them with a detailed job description and spend the time to go over it with them, fielding questions and ensuring they get it. Explain how their work fits into the bigger picture and the impact they have on the business. This not only helps them understand their tasks but also motivates them to perform well and helps prevent easy misunderstandings or assumptions.
Training and Support
Even if they’re only with you for a short time, investing in training is essential. Provide hands-on training sessions and don’t limit these to the first few days of their employment. We have seen how effective it is to pair new hires with experienced staff members who can mentor them. This has many benefits, including ensuring new staff learn the ropes quickly, feel supported, and are quietly accountable to be productive.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Summer can be unpredictable, and so can the needs of your business. Make sure your seasonal employees are aware of the potential for changes in their schedules or duties. Remember that flexibility is a two-way street, so be open to accommodating their needs as well.
Foster a Positive Work Environment
A positive workplace culture is infectious. Encourage teamwork, recognise hard work, and keep the lines of communication open. Seasonal employees who feel appreciated and part of the team are more likely to go above and beyond, and if they love their summer job, they will come back year after year, making that summer-recruitment piece substantially easier next year.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Regular check-ins and feedback sessions with you directly can help address any issues early on and keep your seasonal staff on track. Encourage your summer staff to share their thoughts and suggestions. This not only helps them improve but also provides you with valuable insights into your onboarding process.
Wrapping Up the Season
As the season winds down, take the time to thank your seasonal employees for their hard work. Consider conducting end-of-summer exit interviews to gather feedback on their experience. This can provide valuable insights for improving your onboarding process for the next season.
Case Study: summer student in a tech warehouse
Alex is a university student who joined a local warehouse team in North Auckland for the summer 2023-24. With the holiday season approaching, the warehouse needed extra hands to manage the surge in inventory and orders. Alex was hired as a casual employee, working flexible hours that fit around his study schedule and exams at the time.
From day one, Alex was welcomed warmly by the team. He received thorough training on safety protocols, inventory management, and the warehouse’s specific processes. This training was crucial, as it allowed Alex to quickly become productive and confident in his role.
Throughout the summer, Alex’s tasks varied from organising stock and packing orders to assisting with deliveries. The flexible nature of his casual employment meant he could work more hours during peak times and take time off when needed. This arrangement benefited both Alex and the warehouse, ensuring that the business could handle the increased workload efficiently.
Alex’s positive attitude and willingness to learn made him a valuable team member. His experience not only provided him with practical skills but also gave him insights into the logistics industry. For the warehouse, having a well-prepared and motivated seasonal employee like Alex helped maintain smooth operations during the busy summer months. We expect Alex will be in touch with management again soon!
By focusing on these key areas, you can ensure that your seasonal employees are well-prepared, motivated, and ready to contribute to your business’s success. At FixHR, we’re here to help you navigate the challenges of seasonal hiring and make the most of the much-anticipated summer surge. Do feel free to reach out to us HERE if you would like support in your hiring process, documentation, management or winding it up. We are always here to help.
