Is attracting seasonal employees a problem, how do you retain them?

Published: 01 May, 2007

Jody Sweet, Disney Worldwide Services: We recruit quite a number of seasonal workers, 2,000 to 3,000 per year. We're fortunate because we have a strong Disney brand and our seasons correlate with times when there are employees available for work. It may be a challenge because of the volume of people we need, but we do have a good source of qualified talent for our needs. We actively recruit high school students, colleges, those who migrate south for the winter, senior citizens, and school system employees. We retain them with a good number of benefits and offerings that are unique to Disney. Plus, as we keep in contact with them to keep them connected, many return every year.

Robert Roberts, Adventure Island, UK: It was, in numbers, but to be quite honest, now we have lots of staff applying for jobs and we are open year-round so there is work here if they want it. We are a good company to work for, we do everything spot on, everybody is treated very nicely, there are lots of perks and bonuses that they get. Word has spread the last few years.

Håkon Lund, Konge Parken, Norway: I believe you always get the employees you deserve, so we always try to concentrate on making our park somewhere that is attractive to work. We know that a job at the park is often a step for people on the way to their career, their studies or wherever they are off to, but we also put a lot of time and money effort into our leadership development programme, which won a prize last November at IAAPA, so that we can train our staff to stay with us for as long as possible. In our industry we are very lucky that there are a lot of young people and, if they are empowered and utilised in the right way, they can create a very vibrant and modern organisation. It's very important to make your employees feel they are part of a bigger family, and not simply wage slaves.

Wim Faaij, Drievliet, Netherlands: Every year in January we send forms to previous staff, and about 70% of the people want to come back. Then at the end of January we start recruiting the other people we need during three whole days days at the park. It is really important that the people come to the park so they can see what we do and get information, and then if they like it we can train them.

Chip Cleary, Palace Entertainment, USA: We operate 33 attractions, employing thousands. Attracting great seasonal team members starts with a great attitude by the year round staff. Constant communication, training, feedback, empowerment to solve problems, praise and team building are what creates a positive attitude.Holding events and having financial incentives for the team members are important tools, but if the word of mouth is out that this is a great place to work then you will have no problem finding a great team. And by the way, if your team has the right attitude you will have no trouble finding more guests

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