A work revolution is unfolding right before us. The gig work economy is overhauling traditional work and hiring practices. How’s your company responding?
For millions of individuals globally, working 9-to-5 for a single employer or being on the payroll is no longer a priority. Instead, they balance various income streams and work independently, job by job, task by task.
Gig workers juggle many statuses: temporary or part-time hires, independent contractors, project-based workers, freelancers, and so on. Regardless of how you categorize the employment status, the rise of gig and temporary workers is disrupting traditional work frameworks, culture, and hiring practices.
Since seasonal employees and part-time employees are among the most common gig economy roles, let’s explore their differences and similarities and discover ways to streamline both.
Key Takeaways
- Seasonal employment refers to time-bound positions tied to specific periods or events, while part-time work offers ongoing employment with reduced hours.
- Seasonal positions more commonly offer full-time hours through the duration of the contract, whereas part-time workers maintain consistent but reduced hours year-round.
- Benefits, job security, and advancement opportunities differ significantly between the two employment types.
- Both employment types require efficient scheduling systems to manage effectively.
- Understanding these differences helps both employers and workers make better employment decisions.
What is a Seasonal Job?
Seasonal work involves hiring employees to support a business during particular times of the year. Typically, seasonal positions are often only temporarily available (e.g., during the winter months).
Most seasonal employees can fall into two categories:
- Those who are hired by businesses that operate only during specific times of the year.
- Those who work during peak periods when demand is high.
If your business closes at certain times of the year or experiences busy seasons, it may be worthwhile to consider establishing temporary jobs for seasonal employees.
There are plenty of advantages to hiring seasonal employees, including flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and an opportunity to 'trial' an employee:
Flexibility
Hiring seasonal employees allows businesses to be flexible with their workforce and fill gaps as needed, as you can choose when the seasonal workers are hired, how many are hired, and the duration of their employment. Additionally, many seasonal jobs can provide extra income for individuals looking to supplement their earnings during peak seasons. Examples of seasonal jobs include retail sales associates during the holiday season, lifeguards at beaches in the summer, catering staff for special events, instructors for the ski season, and more.
Cost-effectiveness
It doesn’t make much sense to hire for permanent positions when they’re only needed for a specific, fixed periods of time. Hiring temporary workers in seasonal jobs can eliminate the unnecessary costs of hiring full-time employees and keeping them employed after the busy season.
Employment trial
Many businesses hire seasonal employees as regular part-time or full-time workers if they perform well and the need for year-round labor exists. If you hire seasonal employees for a few weeks at a time, you can use that time as a trial period to gauge if the temporary worker would be a good fit for a full-time position down the line.
What is a Part-Time Job?
A part-time worker is an employee who works fewer working hours than a full-time employee, typically defined as someone who works less than 30 to 35 hours per week, depending on the organization and local labor laws. It usually means working fewer days every working week, and US employees are generally considered to be part-time if they regularly work fewer than 30 hours per week.
The benefits of hiring part-time employees parallel many of the advantages associated with bringing on seasonal workers, especially for those who are actively engaged in a job search and seeking flexible opportunities. This includes easier recruitment, flexibility, and cost savings:
Easier Recruitment
Part-time jobs, as opposed to full-time employment, can be easier to fill, as they appeal to a larger audience. Part-time jobs are especially popular among students, retirees, and those seeking extra income while maintaining work-life balance.
Flexibility
Part-time jobs provide flexibility to both the employees and the employer if managed thoughtfully. Part-time employees offer greater flexibility in staffing, allowing businesses to adjust hours and schedules based on fluctuating demand.
Cost Savings
Just like with seasonal workers, bringing on part-time employees can really help cut down on labor and payroll costs since you won't have to offer the full suite of benefits like health insurance and paid time off.
Part-Time vs Seasonal: Breaking Down the Core Differences
Part-time and seasonal workers each fill essential spots in a business, and recognizing how they differ can help you make the right calls as you build up your staff roster.
The differences can be summed up in terms of employment duration, work schedule, and benefits:
Duration of Employment
Part-time workers, like a student working at the café, enjoy ongoing employment with regular hours, as though it's a permanent position, while seasonal workers step in only during busy periods, such as the holiday shopping season or a few weeks in the summer.
One notable difference that often goes unnoticed is that part-time workers usually have longer employment spans, which allows them to establish strong ties and gain a nuanced understanding of the business. In contrast, a seasonal worker, due to the temporary nature of the work, primarily fulfills roles during peak times and doesn't get as much opportunity to understand the business.
Work Schedule
Part-time workers usually have a regular weekly schedule over the course of months, giving them some stability. Seasonal workers, on the other hand, often deal with changing hours depending on the time of year and how busy things are.
Benefits Entitlement
A part-time employee usually receives pro-rated benefits similar to a full-time worker, while seasonal workers typically miss out on benefits since they’re only on board for a limited time. However, keep in mind that all employees, including seasonal employees, are compensated in accordance with either the federal minimum wage or local minimum wage for their work.
Making the Right Choice: Factors to Consider
Choosing between part-time and seasonal workers boils down to understanding what’s going to fit your business most optimally. There are a few essential factors to consider if you want to make the most out of your investment.
Scheduling Flexibility
Seasonal workers are ready to jump in during peak times, perfect for handling busy stretches without a long-term commitment.
Skill Requirements
Part-time workers can take on more training, which might make them better for roles needing specific skills. Seasonal hires, on the other hand, are ideal for quick tasks that require less onboarding.
Cost Considerations
Remember, seasonal and temporary employment doesn’t come with the same full-time costs, but part-timers can still be around long enough to warrant extra investment in training.
Best Practices for Employers Managing Both Worker Types
When managing part-time and seasonal workers, your goal isn’t just to fill shifts; it’s to create a solid foundation where each role enhances the business. These tips will help your team perform at their best.
Scheduling Strategy
Planning schedules for varied shifts and working hours isn’t a one-size-fits-all operation. Building a clear, organized system for your staff scheduling needs keeps everyone on track, avoids gaps, and minimizes overlap. Set clear shift boundaries, communicate shift preferences if possible, and anticipate peak times so you’re ready with enough hands on deck.
Thankfully, there are many shift scheduling software options available that can centralize data such as shifts, breaks, availability, remuneration conditions, offers, timesheets, finances, and messaging under one platform so you can instantly know who’s available and interested in working.
Communication
Keeping communication smooth and steady can feel like a full-time job by itself. For part-timers and seasonal employees, a quick, direct line to you or a designated team lead is crucial. Regular updates, reminders, and opportunities to share feedback go a long way in making everyone feel in the loop.
A centralized communication app like Workstaff simplifies this, so no one’s left guessing or scrambling for information. You can send mass messages to all staff or use 1-to-1 messaging for individual members— no more juggling an endless stream of emails, texts, and calls.
Legal Considerations
Compliance is key when it comes to hiring temporary or hourly workers. From overtime pay to mid-shift breaks, knowing what’s required legally helps you avoid issues down the line. This also ensures you’re creating a fair and safe working environment, which boosts morale and keeps turnover down.
Technology Solutions
Leveraging technology can be a game-changer. A good scheduling or workforce management tool like Workstaff can streamline everything from shift planning and time tracking to reminders and updates. This way, you can quickly fill shifts if there are absent employees and keep operations running smoothly.
Technology can handle the legwork of day-to-day admin tasks, freeing you up to focus on bigger-picture goals and supporting your team where it matters most.
Using these best practices not only builds a reliable, effective team but also boosts productivity and morale across the board.
Building A Versatile Workforce
Your workforce is a toolbox filled with different tools for various jobs; each worker brings their unique skills to the table, helping the entire operation thrive. When you’ve got the right mix of people — full-time, seasonal, part-time, contractors, or others — you can tackle challenges head-on and keep your customers happy.
In summary: part-time staff provide steady hands during regular hours, while seasonal hires step up when demand spikes, like during the holiday season or summer rushes.
The bottom line, really, is that all your workers contribute flexibility and adaptability, so you need to be just as flexible and adaptable in your approach to hiring and managing your workforce from the get-go.
Juggling these different temporary workers, however, can be a real headache if you’re not equipped with the right tools. That’s where technology comes into play.
By streamlining your workforce management with a platform like Workstaff, you can effortlessly handle scheduling, communication, and data tracking — all in one place. Embracing such a solution will not only save you time and effort but also help you build a more efficient, responsive workforce that’s ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way.
