Temporary Staffing MD of the Year Advises:
One thing Paul Evans McCallum has learned in his time in travel and events is that the biggest challenge in Christmas hospitality recruitment isn’t a shortage of workers.
It’s a disconnect between what employers assume seasonal staff want and what they actually prioritise.
The landscape has changed significantly over the past five years.
Seasonal and temporary workers are no longer just looking for open shifts.
They are choosing roles based on flexibility, respect, clarity and balance.
Employers who understand this secure the strongest teams early.
Those who don’t are left hiring from what’s left.
Clarity is Key
The top priority for today’s hospitality workers is transparent scheduling.
They want to know:
When they’re working
How long shifts last
What breaks are provided
How rotas are managed
Vague or last-minute scheduling puts candidates off.
Venues that offer structure and predictability come out ahead.
Fast, Fair Pay
Christmas workers expect prompt and accurate payment.
Many are balancing shifts with childcare, studies, travel or other jobs.
One delayed payment can quickly damage your reputation and recruitment pipeline.
Payroll trust is essential.
Respect and Belonging
The days of treating seasonal staff as disposable are over.
Workers want to feel valued, integrated and respected, especially during the high-pressure festive period and that means:
Proper briefings
Recognition for good work
A supportive, inclusive culture
This isn’t a bonus; it’s a competitive advantage.
Flexibility That Works
Seasonal professionals often have other commitments.
Employers who offer segmented shifts, predictable patterns or self-scheduling options attract stronger candidates more quickly.
Efficient Onboarding
Christmas hires don’t need weeks of training.
But they do want a clear, concise induction, defined expectations and the tools to succeed.
They want to start strong, not second-guessing.
The Basics Still Matter
Too many venues still overlook the essentials:
Proper meals or breaks on long shifts
Safe travel options for late finishes
Managers who lead rather than panic
Teamwork over hierarchy when pressure peaks
Honest communication when things get tough
The Bottom Line
Christmas recruitment isn’t about hiring the most people.
It’s about hiring the right people, quickly and fairly. Seasonal workers talk.
Their loyalty is earned through experience, not promises.
To compete for talent, businesses need to recruit like an employer of choice, not one of convenience.
In a tighter labour market with sharper expectations, festive slogans won’t cut it.
Operational respect will.
The most effective seasonal hiring strategies today are the ones that:
Recruit early, not reactively
Advertise clarity, not desperation
Onboard efficiently, not haphazardly
Lead with culture, not crisis
Retain with experience, not promises
Hospitality businesses don’t struggle to hire at Christmas because there are no workers.
They struggle because the balance of opportunity has shifted.
Workers are choosing employers who show up better.
About Paul Evans McCallum
Paul Evans McCallum is the multi-award-winning founder and Managing Director of PJ Staffing, a UK recruitment partner known for its people-first approach and commitment to raising standards across the sector.
