Hiring for the Holidays: 5 Ways SMEs Are Finding Festive Flexibility

With early planning and flexible hiring strategies, UK SMEs are turning seasonal demand into opportunity.

The festive season is more than a sales peak. It’s a moment when small businesses bring people together, welcome new faces and remind loyal customers why they choose local. Entering the season with optimism and flexible hiring ideas can go a long way.

With the right preparation, small businesses can build motivated teams that keep standards high and spirits bright, even when things get busy.

1) Widen the talent pool with flexible roles

The most effective festive hiring starts long before December. Employment Hero guidance highlights the importance of early planning and clear processes when bringing in seasonal staff:

Many small businesses are also widening access to roles, creating opportunities for students, return-to-work parents and career-changers who want meaningful work that fits around life.

Offering shorter evening or weekend shifts, creating roles for gift-wrapping and stock preparation, or using remote support during busy chat and phone periods all help open the door to people who might otherwise be unavailable.

2) Blend traditional staff with new platforms

Big retailers may hire large festive teams, but SMEs are keeping pace in their own way. Employment Hero data shows small businesses are building varied talent pipelines ahead of peak trading, particularly tapping into younger workers who prefer short-term, flexible roles:

For many SMEs, that means inviting back previous seasonal staff, connecting with local colleges, using flexible worker platforms and engaging through community groups. Success isn’t just about scale. It’s about agility, community understanding and clear communication when extra support’s needed.

Younger workers are especially suited to this approach. Many balance study with flexible shifts, and Employment Hero data shows 42 percent of Gen Z workers hold more than one job which suggests a talent pool ready for short or weekend seasonal roles.

3) Train fast, trust early

Seasonal staff do their best work when they feel supported and confident quickly. The most prepared SMEs aren’t throwing people straight onto the shop floor. They’re offering short onboarding sessions, simple role guides, quick service prompts and a buddy for the first shift so no one feels lost.

Employment Hero highlights that fast, compliant onboarding with clear expectations reduces mistakes and strengthens customer experience during busy periods:

When people know what’s expected, they settle faster, support colleagues and help protect service standards at crunch time.

4) Use festive incentives that build commitment

Festive jumper days and one-off bonuses can be fun, but they aren’t always what keeps seasonal workers engaged. Many value predictability and appreciation more than novelty. Clear schedules, completion bonuses for agreed shifts and support like transport after late finishes often have a bigger impact.

Employment Hero research shows SMEs often attract talent through flexibility, strong culture and genuine connection, even when they can’t match big-brand salaries:

Seasonal workers who feel valued tend to show up, give their best and return in future seasons.

5) Let young talent shine

For many young people, a festive job is a first step into work. It helps them build confidence, customer-facing skills and digital know-how at a time when entering the workplace can be harder. Recent ONS data shows around 12.8% of 16-24-year-olds weren’t in education, employment or training as of mid-2025: CIPD research also shows younger workers are far more likely to take short-term or part-time roles in sectors like retail and hospitality. 

For SMEs, seasonal hiring doesn’t just have to be about filling gaps. Many young workers return each year, recommend friends or eventually join full-time. Short festive contracts can spark long-term growth and loyalty on both sides.

The bigger picture

Festive hiring doesn’t just have to be about covering rotas. It’s also about creating opportunity, nurturing future talent and delivering moments that make the season feel special. With thoughtful planning and flexible working options, SMEs can meet demand while giving people a meaningful first step or fresh chance at work.

This season, flexibility isn’t a fallback. It’s a competitive advantage and a chance to spread opportunity along with festive cheer.