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The arrival of the high season in the hotel and restaurant industry is a bit like preparing a big banquet. Everything must be perfect, the teams in place, the dishes ready to be served, and above all, the reinforcements well integrated. Yes, I am talking about seasonal workers, those extras that are essential to face the wave of customers that arrives during busy periods. But for everything to go without a hitch, you have to anticipate, recruit and train beforehand. So how do you go about it well? Follow the guide!
Recruiting seasonal workers is a bit like adjusting a recipe according to the seasons: the ingredients (in this case, the talents) vary according to needs. Above all, take the time to assess your current team and the number of overtime hours you will need to cover during busy periods. This analysis will allow you to determine how much reinforcements are needed and what budget to allocate to them.
But be careful, the key to success lies in timing. Too late, and you may end up with a limited choice. Too soon, and some candidates may drop out. A good compromise? Launch your ads between one and a half and two months before the start of the high season. And don't forget to include an integration period so your newcomers can get familiar with the place before customers come in.
We've been hearing about the shortage of workers in the sector all the time, and for good reason: up to 250,000 unfilled jobs in the hotel and restaurant industry last May! With fierce competition for talent, how do you do well? Young workers, who are often seasonal, are increasingly hesitant to take up these jobs, which are considered restrictive. That's why it's crucial to make your offers more appealing.
Consider offering optimized working conditions: competitive salaries, decent housing, or even interesting training opportunities. As Thierry Grégoire, president of UMIH Saisonniers, points out, we must “sharing value with employees”. After all, taking care of your employees also means investing in the satisfaction of your customers.
Online recruitment platforms, such as StaffMe, are real allies in quickly finding motivated candidates. These tools allow you to post your ads, sort applications, and communicate directly with applicants. A significant gain in time and efficiency.
Once seasonal workers are recruited, they must be trained... and quickly! The challenge? Make them operational in record time. To do this, bet on short and dynamic courses. Why not use mini how-to videos or tutorials in TikTok format? These formats are perfect for capturing the attention of young recruits. In addition, if these videos are prepared in advance by your teams, they can be reused at each new arrival, saving you precious time.
To go further in creating effective videos, discover our 7 golden rules for successful internal training videos and engaging your employees. This guide will help you produce engaging videos, capture the attention of your new hires, and optimize their integration quickly.
The motivation for seasonal workers is the fuel that makes the machine work. In order for them to perform at their best, it is essential to understand what motivates them. Recognizing their efforts, the opportunity to learn new skills, and a pleasant work environment make all the difference.
Why not introduce performance bonuses or rewards for goals achieved? Not to mention creating a positive work environment, where each member of the team feels valued. A quick note from the management, a heartfelt thank you, and you'll see, your seasonal workers will be ready to go the extra mile.
Managing seasonal workers during the high season in the hotel and catering industry may seem complicated, but with good organization, it becomes a real opportunity. By anticipating recruitment, optimizing training, and ensuring the motivation of your teams, you ensure not only the satisfaction of your customers, but also that of your employees. And that is the winning recipe for making your establishment an essential address. So, ready for the challenge?