Surge in Holiday Hiring: Workers Seek More Shifts Due to Rising Costs
As the holiday season draws near, a recent study by Indeed Flex reveals a notable rise in the number of workers seeking extra shifts to counter the pressures of escalating living expenses. The online marketplace for flexible and temporary work has found that over half of surveyed job seekers are contemplating additional work opportunities this holiday season.
The survey, which questioned 1,200 workers and an equal number of seasonal hiring decision-makers across the US and UK, indicates a significant shift in the labor market dynamics. A staggering 57% of respondents reported that they are considering extra work during the holidays, primarily motivated by the rising cost of living - a concern that affects nearly half of those surveyed (44%). This year, 73% of participants indicated they were more inclined to take on extra hours or seek a second job, with retail roles and freelancing emerging as the top choices.
On the employer side, businesses are stepping up their preparations for one of the busiest seasons of the year. A surprising 48% of companies within the retail, logistics, and hospitality sectors expect an uptick in holiday demand. Additionally, more than half (51%) plan to hire more seasonal staff than they did in the previous year. The survey identified customer support roles as a primary focus (56%), followed closely by positions in warehousing and logistics, reflecting the ongoing trend towards e-commerce.
Despite the willingness of employers to expand their workforce, they face ongoing challenges regarding workforce reliability. According to the findings, over half of those in seasonal businesses (56%) note that worker attendance is their most significant barrier when trying to fill shifts. While improving wage competitiveness is always a factor, many workers have expressed that fostering flexibility in work schedules could be a compelling solution to attract them. Nearly 39% indicated that flexible scheduling would enhance the appeal of seasonal positions.
Novo Constare, CEO and Co-founder of Indeed Flex, articulated the critical need for adaptability in the current employment landscape: “Retailers are under pressure to meet higher demand with leaner resources, while workers are under pressure to earn more to keep up with costs.” He notes that flexibility is emerging as a vital bridge between these two competing needs. Employers that prioritize adaptable scheduling and expedited payment options are likely to be better positioned in attracting and retaining dependable talent this holiday season.
For further information concerning flexible work options, visit Indeed Flex.
The survey was conducted by Indeed Flex on August 8, 2025, gathering responses from a balanced sample of both workers and seasonal hiring decision-makers in the US and UK, ensuring thorough representation across diverse regions and business sizes.
Indeed Flex is revolutionizing temporary staffing, granting job seekers more control over their work choices. With its innovative platform, businesses can tap into a reliable, high-quality workforce while benefiting from streamlined staffing processes aimed at enhancing efficiency and productivity. For more details, check out Indeed Flex.
Key Findings from the Research
The survey, which questioned 1,200 workers and an equal number of seasonal hiring decision-makers across the US and UK, indicates a significant shift in the labor market dynamics. A staggering 57% of respondents reported that they are considering extra work during the holidays, primarily motivated by the rising cost of living - a concern that affects nearly half of those surveyed (44%). This year, 73% of participants indicated they were more inclined to take on extra hours or seek a second job, with retail roles and freelancing emerging as the top choices.
Retail Sector Braces for Increased Demand
On the employer side, businesses are stepping up their preparations for one of the busiest seasons of the year. A surprising 48% of companies within the retail, logistics, and hospitality sectors expect an uptick in holiday demand. Additionally, more than half (51%) plan to hire more seasonal staff than they did in the previous year. The survey identified customer support roles as a primary focus (56%), followed closely by positions in warehousing and logistics, reflecting the ongoing trend towards e-commerce.
Balancing Demand with Reliability Challenges
Despite the willingness of employers to expand their workforce, they face ongoing challenges regarding workforce reliability. According to the findings, over half of those in seasonal businesses (56%) note that worker attendance is their most significant barrier when trying to fill shifts. While improving wage competitiveness is always a factor, many workers have expressed that fostering flexibility in work schedules could be a compelling solution to attract them. Nearly 39% indicated that flexible scheduling would enhance the appeal of seasonal positions.
The Need for Flexibility in the Workforce
Novo Constare, CEO and Co-founder of Indeed Flex, articulated the critical need for adaptability in the current employment landscape: “Retailers are under pressure to meet higher demand with leaner resources, while workers are under pressure to earn more to keep up with costs.” He notes that flexibility is emerging as a vital bridge between these two competing needs. Employers that prioritize adaptable scheduling and expedited payment options are likely to be better positioned in attracting and retaining dependable talent this holiday season.
For further information concerning flexible work options, visit Indeed Flex.
Methodology
The survey was conducted by Indeed Flex on August 8, 2025, gathering responses from a balanced sample of both workers and seasonal hiring decision-makers in the US and UK, ensuring thorough representation across diverse regions and business sizes.
About Indeed Flex
Indeed Flex is revolutionizing temporary staffing, granting job seekers more control over their work choices. With its innovative platform, businesses can tap into a reliable, high-quality workforce while benefiting from streamlined staffing processes aimed at enhancing efficiency and productivity. For more details, check out Indeed Flex.
Topics General Business）
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