Hiring Seasonal Workers: Rules And Regulations HR Must Be Aware Of

Establishing right policies to avoid workplace disruptions

Many businesses hire seasonal staff during holiday season. At this time of year, busy industries, such as retailers, restaurants, and event companies often see a spike in customers, requiring more assistance to accommodate high demand. 

Although seasonal staff members are hired typically for six months or less, this type of employment poses many questions. For example, do seasonal staff have the same rights as full-time employees? Do you need an employment contact?

It’s crucial for employers to have a plan in place to not only ensure they hire well-skilled seasonal workers, but also have the right policies in place to avoid any workplace disruptions. Following are some valuable information for every employer who is hiring seasonal workers.

Workplace Rights

Seasonal workers are protected under the Employment Standards Act and have the same rights as full-time staff. This includes minimum wage, overtime, vacation pay, and hours of work. Seasonal workers are also covered under health and safety, human rights, and worker’s compensation legislation.

Employment Contract

Employers tend to overlook the fact that seasonal workers need an employment contract, even though the employee will only be working for a short period of time. It is important to note that contracts benefit both the employee and employer as it paints a clear picture of what is expected, which helps to avoid any confusion.

Additionally, seasonal employment contracts containing a valid termination clause can be useful for employers in limiting the employees’ entitlements upon termination.

Recruiting Rules and Policies

Begin your recruitment process in advance to not only fill spots, but to also find the right candidates. Job descriptions need to clearly outline the job requirements and work schedule. This includes being upfront about physical requirements and working later hours.

Employee Retention

The busy holiday season can take a toll on staff and become overwhelming, but there are a few things employers can do to keep staff feeling satisfied and motivated. Employers can offer end-of-season bonuses, and provide benefits as well as perks. 

Workforce Management

Using smart HR technology, employers can help properly manage staff all from the click of a button. The shifts and schedule feature lets you make schedule changes, edit shifts, and accept/decline shifts.

Not only does it instantly notify the respective manager and team to ensure a solution can be worked on immediately, but it also clears up any confusion and reduces no-shows due to last-minute schedule changes. This works to improve transparency and keep everyone up to date when it comes to last-minute changes.

Ramsey Aburaneh is the Head of Digital Growth at BrightHR. Connect Ramsey Aburaneh