My Recruiting Blog

It's not surprising that, thanks to the current economy, fewer companies are planning to hire seasonal workers this fall and winter. However, some prominent companies are planning to hire some workers for flexible jobs (Click here).

Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., a Chicago-based outplacement firm, recently reported that there will only be a slight improvement in retail hiring compared to last year, which accounted for the lowest seasonal employment growth in almost 20 years.

In addition, a September report from the HayGroup, a Philadelphia-based consulting form, found that 57 percent of retailers who depend heavily on seasonal workers are planning to reduce their holiday hiring by 5 percent to 25 percent.

There is some good news, though, as retail sales increased by 1.8 percent from October 2008 to October 2009. And a recent survey from CareerBuilder found that 31 percent of companies plan to hire at least one seasonal worker for a full-time position.

Here's a list of the companies that do intend to hire workers this holiday season:

• JCPenney - The store usually increases its workforce by 10 percent to 15 percent. Part-time positions are available for customer service, cashiers and associates for "hot zones" for highlighted merchandise.
• Macy's - Although the company has not released specific hiring figures, it expects to hire about the same number of workers as during past years.
• Target - While the company is planning to hire, fewer workers will be recruited than during previous years. Target is reportedly focusing more on a plan to cross-train current employees across departments.
• Wal-Mart - While the company has confirmed it will be hiring seasonal workers, hiring levels for Wal-Mart will vary on a store to store basis.
• Michael's Stores, Inc. - the company is planning to hire about 10,000 seasonal workers, an increase from the 7,300 seasonal workers Michael's hired last year. Of those seasonal workers, about 10 percent are usually recruited for staff positions.
• UPS - Aside from retail, shipping and delivery companies often see a hiring boost during the holidays. The company has reported plans to hire about 50,000 seasonal workers throughout the country, but that number is lower than in the past.
• U.S. Postal Service - The USPS will hire an unspecified number of additional workers during the holidays. Those working as temporary casual mailhandlers can expect to earn about $12 per hour with extra pay for night shifts.
• FedEx - The company plans to hire temporary workers during this month and December on a necessary basis. Part-time package handlers, who are expected to life and carry packages, can expect to earn about $10.50 per hour.

Additional companies planning to hire include Best Buy Co., Toys "R" Us Inc. and Zappos.com Inc.

Labels: Flexible jobs