Seasonal Hiring Trends: More Companies Looking for Full-Time Talent This Year

As the end of the year approaches, many U.S. companies are planning to ramp up their seasonal hiring efforts. Recent survey results reveal an encouraging trend: nearly 40% of hiring managers intend to bring in more seasonal employees compared to the previous year. This change signals a strategic shift as organizations increasingly view seasonal positions as a gateway to finding long-term talent.

The latest findings from the Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll underscore the evolving landscape of seasonal employment.

Key Insights on Seasonal Job Growth

About 38% of hiring managers in the United States anticipate a rise in seasonal hires, with a staggering 87% of them recognizing these roles as an effective way to scout potential full-time employees. With this dual perspective, seasonal positions are becoming a crucial component of a company's hiring strategy.

Meeting Today’s Workforce Demands

Indeed, more than two-thirds of hiring managers (67%) report having employed seasonal workers at some point, and a third (33%) currently have seasonal staff on board. Projections for this fall reflect an upward trajectory, with plans to hire seasonal help increasing to 15% from 12% the previous year.

While holiday seasons—particularly fall and winter—account for the bulk of seasonal roles, 64% of companies cite these times as peak hiring periods. Summer jobs also follow closely with 60% of hiring managers noting a preference for adding seasonal staff.

The motivations for seasonal hiring extend beyond merely managing short-term workloads. About 58% of respondents indicate they need assistance with immediate demands, while 44% are looking to identify candidates for future full-time positions. Additional motivations include team coverage during absences (43%), better workload distribution (42%), working hours outside regular schedules (36%), and cost savings (28%).

Service Industry Lead in Seasonal Hiring

Interestingly, the service industry is leading the seasonal hiring trend, with 45% of managers in this sector expecting to increase their seasonal labor force this year. This surge highlights the sector's reliance on flexible staffing solutions to manage increased demand during busy periods.

Job Seekers: Paychecks and Professional Advancement

From the job seeker perspective, seasonal roles are on the rise as well. Currently, nearly half (45%) of job seekers have existing experience in seasonal employment, while one-third (33%) are contemplating similar opportunities ahead.

Springing from traditional timeframes, job seekers frequently engage in seasonal work during the fall and winter, 61% of whom take on holiday roles, followed by 53% during the summer.

Although financial compensation serves as the primary driver for seasonal work, with 72% of job seekers citing it as a key factor, the potential for professional development cannot be ignored. More than half (54%) of past seasonal workers express an interest in utilizing these roles for career advancement. Notably, 29% specifically seek experience to bolster their resumes, while 27% anticipate acquiring new skills. Millennials stand out as a demographic particularly keen on seasonal opportunities for skill enhancement, with 37% indicating this motivation.

The Greater Value of Seasonal Employment

Bob Funk Jr., CEO of Express Employment International, encapsulates this trend well: "The greatest value of seasonal hiring may be the opportunity to meet today's workforce demands with an eye on the future." Seasonal positions allow companies to handle increased workload while evaluating the abilities of employees in real-time. This process fosters stronger connections within teams and allows leaders to make informed decisions about filling future permanent roles.

As this season approaches, prospective job seekers should consider the wealth of opportunities in seasonal roles, while companies can view these positions as a beneficial avenue for meeting labor demands while scouting for future full-time talent. Those interested in delving deeper into workforce patterns can refer to the ongoing research found in the America Employed series at ExpressPros.com/Newsroom.

Survey Methodology

The Job Seeker Report was compiled through an online survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from May 19 to June 8, 2026. It involved 1,000 U.S. adults aged 18 and over who are either employed and seeking new job opportunities or currently unemployed but actively searching for work. Meanwhile, the Job Insights survey, targeting U.S. hiring decision-makers, ran concurrently from May 13 to June 1, 2026, involving a sample of 1,006 respondents.

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