December is a time of intensive preparations for Christmas, which generates not only increased consumption but also a demand for additional labor. There is no shortage of volunteers, and in fact, the number is growing. In 2024, the number of candidates looking for seasonal jobs increased by 10% compared to 2023, according to an analysis by the Progres Group. Younger people aged 25 and under, who constitute as much as 56% of all candidates for such positions, are most often seeking employment opportunities during the Christmas period. However, in each age group, women who make up 58% of all those interested in work predominates.
The pre-Christmas period is a time of increased commerce, gastronomy, and service industries. The demand for seasonal workers increases in November and December, and for many people, this is an excellent opportunity to earn extra money and sometimes gain valuable experience. Students and young people are keen to take on temporary work to supplement their budget and obtain funds for Christmas gifts or winter breaks. Currently, it is young people who are the most likely to inquire about a Christmas job – more than half of the candidates (56%) are under 25. Although young people dominate the statistics analyzed by the Progres Group, there are also candidates aged 26-50, who account for 34%, and every tenth applicant (10%) is older than 50.
Regardless of the age of the candidates, the main reason they are looking for seasonal jobs is the need for additional income, especially when facing difficult economic conditions. High school students and college students perceive seasonal work as an opportunity to gain professional experience, and for seniors, such job is not only a source of income but also a chance to leave home and interact with people, which they need. The current time is a good time to look for temporary work, as companies have big needs, and everyone has a chance to find employment and boost their budget. This is especially important in December when many Poles clearly feel the impact of Christmas preparation expenditure,” says Cezary Maciołek, the President of the Progres Group.
In each age group, there are more women, who currently make up 58% of all those interested in working during the Christmas season. Men are less inclined to look for such type of job – they make up 42% of the candidates. According to Cezary Maciołek, the President of the Progres Group, a 16% gap between both sexes may be due to women’s lower incomes. They, due to many factors – e.g., the industry in which they work – statistically earn less than men, and additional work before Christmas is for them a chance to improve the household budget.
Most Christmas jobs offer flexible scheduling, which allows you to balance work with school or other commitments. Applicants are attracted not only by quick earnings but also by the remuneration system – daily or weekly rates are offered, which is particularly important because the money is received before Christmas and New Year when it is most needed to cover holiday expenses.
Willing candidates can expect a position, e.g., in shopping centers, which become the busiest places in December. Stores need additional salespeople, cashiers, and product promoters during this time. The work generally lasts a few weeks, from mid-November or early December until Christmas Eve. Hourly rates are typically around PLN 30 gross, and for weekends or work on Christmas Eve, they may be a bit higher.
Despite the challenges, the President of the Progres Group concludes that the current time is still tough for employers who haven’t started recruiting for Christmas jobs yet. Candidates looking for such positions find themselves in a much better situation, as even searching for offers in December, they can find something for themselves instantly. However, the situation can get worse for employers. The competition for candidates is huge, and those who fail to find them in many cases will have to roll up their sleeves and take on a Christmas job in their company, even if they weren’t looking for it.
The assessment of the level of interest in working during the Christmas period was prepared by the analyst team of the Progres Group. The analysis was based on 20,000 job applications for winter season 2024 (the same number of applications was analyzed in 2023).
Source: https://managerplus.pl/przedswiateczna-goraczka-na-rynku-pracy-kto-i-gdzie-szuka-dodatkowego-zarobku-w-grudniu-82381
