As the year winds down, the high season kicks into gear, bringing a surge in travel, shopping, and hospitality demand. For businesses in tourism, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and retail, this period is both exciting and challenging. While more customers mean more opportunities, it also means more pressure to maintain service quality. One practical solution? Hiring seasonal staff to boost your workforce and keep operations running smoothly.
However, hiring seasonal staff isn’t quite the same as bringing on full-time employees. So, it’s important for employers to prepare ahead to avoid last-minute headaches. Here’s what you need to know before the high season hits.
Preparing to Hire: What to Do Before You Recruit
- Forecast Customer Volume: Use last year’s data to estimate this year’s customer trends. Compare weekly patterns to identify your business’s high and peak seasons.
- Monitor National Tourism Trends: Stay updated with reliable news sources to anticipate broader travel activity.
- Assess Your Current Workforce: Review staffing levels by role and shift. Identify gaps and the skills needed to fill them, so you can recruit with purpose.
- Calculate Additional Costs: Factor in wages, training, and other expenses to ensure your budget can support the extra hires.
- According to a survey conducted by the Thai Hotels Association (THA) in September 2022, 77% of hotel businesses reported facing labor shortages, particularly in frontline roles such as waitstaff and housekeeping. Supervisory positions followed closely behind as the next most affected group.
- The Thai Retailers Association revealed that the 2025 high season has brought a major labor crunch, with the workforce shrinking by as much as 30% compared to pre-COVID levels. Despite employing over 13 million people across retail, wholesale, and service sectors, businesses are still struggling to meet the surging demand for workers during this critical period.
Hiring Smart: How to Find the Right People
- Use Local Channels: Post job ads on local Facebook groups or community boards to attract nearby candidates.
- Tap Into Employee Networks: Ask your current staff to refer friends or family members.
- Host Walk-In Interviews: Set a date and time for open interviews. Be ready with clear job details, wages, and benefits.
- Partner with Staffing Agencies: If time is tight, consider working with a recruitment firm. They can quickly match you with skilled candidates across various roles, from front-of-house to kitchen staff.
Onboarding Essentials: Setting New Staff Up for Success
- Orientation: Give new hires a tour, explain your products and services, and introduce them to the team. Building strong relationships from day one boosts morale and teamwork.
- Training: Start with simple tasks to build confidence, then gradually introduce more complex responsibilities. Assign mentors to guide new staff through the learning curve.
- Set Clear Goals: Communicate expectations early. If a seasonal hire excels, consider offering them a permanent role.
Legal Considerations: Know the Rules Before You Hire
During Thailand’s high season—especially in industries like hospitality, tourism, and food service—employers often hire temporary or daily workers to meet increased demand. While this is a common practice, it’s essential to understand the legal framework under the Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998) to ensure compliance and protect both employer and employee rights.
1. Daily Employment: Rights and Responsibilities
- Employers hiring on a daily wage basis must be aware of the following legal obligations:
- No Work, Still Pay: If a daily employee is ready to work but the employer does not provide work, the employer must still pay wages for that day. Agreements stating otherwise are void under Thai labor law.
- Weekly Holidays: Daily employees are entitled to at least one weekly holiday. Employers are not required to pay for weekly holidays unless work is performed.
- Public Holidays: Employees must receive at least 13 paid public holidays per year, even if they are hired on a daily basis.
This ensures that even short-term workers are treated fairly and receive consistent compensation
2. Short-Term Contracts in Seasonal Industries
Industries affected by seasonal fluctuations—such as restaurants and tourism—often use fixed-term contracts. These are legally valid under the following conditions:
- The contract must clearly specify the start and end dates, and the duration must not exceed two years.
- If the contract meets these criteria, employers are not required to pay severance at the end of the contract—even if the employee has worked for more than 120 days.
- Exceptions apply:
- If the employer terminates the contract early, severance pay is required.
- If the contract includes clauses allowing either party to terminate at any time, it loses its fixed-term status, and severance may be owed.
Understanding these nuances helps businesses manage seasonal staffing legally and efficiently
Tips for a Smooth Seasonal Hiring Experience
- Start Early: Begin recruiting at least two months in advance to allow time for proper onboarding.
- Prioritize Personality Over Experience: For customer-facing roles, focus on attitude, communication, and service mindset. Skills can be taught passion, for service is harder to instill.
- Treat Temporary Staff Like Permanent Team Members: Avoid favoritism, recognize their contributions, and make them feel valued. A positive reputation for employee care will attract great talent in the future.
Be Ready for the Rush
With the right preparation, hiring seasonal staff can be a game-changer for your business during the high season. From forecasting demand to onboarding with care, every step counts toward delivering excellent service when it matters most.
And if you’re looking for expert help in recruiting skilled retail professionals, from front desk to back office, Adecco’s Temporary /Contract Staffing Service is here to support your business every step of the way. Click here to learn more.
Ref:
https://www.zoho.com/inventory/guides/seasonal-hiring.html
https://www.aihr.com/hr-glossary/seasonal-employment
https://www.hrcenter.co.th/file/columns/hr_f_20230405_085553.pdf
https://www.mkclegal.com/ลูกจ้างรายวัน-2/
https://workpointtoday.com/tourism-industry/
https://www.thairath.co.th/money/business_marketing/marketing_trends/2496022#goog_rewarded
https://mgronline.com/business/detail/9650000086656
https://www.marketthink.co/60256