How to support the mental health and wellness of your seasonal employees
If you’ve ever worked a seasonal job, you know that the opportunity can feel exciting, full of opportunity, and tiring all within the span of your time there. Seasonal, contract, and temporary employees are what help companies with scheduling flexibility, workload, and ensuring quality service for customers.
In return, companies are responsible for providing you with reasonable pay, hours, and most importantly - mental health support.
My friend recently began a temporary position with a big Canadian company - the downside? When she was hired, her availability requests weren’t prioritized seeing as she’s a seasonal worker, meaning her summer would mainly consist of working until 10pm with no consistency in days on and days off. What’s more? She’d be giving up her longtime plans to see her friend get married and a weekend trip she’d planned with her mom.
Of course, not every company operates this way. However, there are companies that take into account how this approach impacts their seasonal employees.
While the work is temporary, companies would benefit from treating their seasonal employees as truly a part of the team - going beyond a store discount.
Showing appreciation and recognition for their hard work
Acknowledging that the work they’re doing is difficult and gruelling, and thank them for taking the time to learn to do things properly and efficiently even though their time with the company isn’t permanent.
Offer incentives to go above and beyond
Gift cards, free t-shirts, a bottle of wine; a fun and engaging way to drive your temporary workers to perform at their best. Find out what motivates your employees and show your gratitude for their hard work.
Supply them with mental health resources
No time off, no benefits, and long hours can pile on to the mental health of your seasonal employees. Make sure you’re directing all of your workers to resources that allow them to keep a clear and happy mind and keep up their productivity at work.
Your seasonal employees are who keep your company thriving during busy stretches of time. If you can’t afford to keep them healthy and happy, don’t hire them!