Retaining Seasonal Employees: A Strategic Asset for Private Clubs

In hospitality, seasonal employees are often seen as temporary fixtures. However, reimagining this workforce as a strategic asset can yield substantial benefits. Seasonal staff not only support peak periods but also bring fresh perspectives and energy, which can invigorate the service quality and member experience. More importantly, engaging and retaining top seasonal talent can reduce recruitment costs and enhance continuity in service delivery.

Here are four innovative ways private clubs can transform their approach to seasonal employment, turning transient jobs into career-building opportunities.

1. Upskilling as a Perk

Investing in the professional growth of seasonal employees is pivotal. Upskilling isn’t just about filling immediate skill gaps; it’s about positioning your Club as a stepping-stone in an individual’s career. Here are practical steps to implement this:

• Forge alliances with culinary schools or hospitality training institutes to offer certified courses, elevating the cachet of working at your Club.
• Utilize quieter times for training sessions led by seasoned staff or industry experts, enhancing skill and team cohesion.
• Develop tailored skill tracks allowing staff to specialize, aligning their growth with your Club’s operational needs.

2. Feedback-Forward Culture

A feedback-forward culture not only enhances employee engagement but also drives continuous improvement. This culture can be cultivated through:

• Gather comprehensive feedback to understand employee experiences and areas for improvement in an end-of-season survey.
• Regular, open forums where staff can share their views to reinforce their value to the organization (i.e. a quick feedback round to start pre-shift).
• Act on viable staff suggestions, visibly demonstrating that their input directly shapes their work environment.
• Recognize and reward constructive feedback that leads to operational enhancements, further encouraging this culture.

3. Flexible Scheduling

Adaptability in scheduling meets the diverse needs of seasonal workers, making your Club a preferred employer. Flexible scheduling can be structured as:

• Facilitate an easy-to-use system for shift swapping that minimizes managerial oversight while ensuring coverage.
• Provide part-time or split shifts, catering to students or working parents, integrating work-life balance.
• Embrace weekend flexibility, instituting a Friday or Saturday evening and 1-2 Sundays a month as minimum availability. 

4. Pathway Programs

Creating clear pathways from seasonal to full-time roles can convert short-term employment into a long-term investment. These programs can include:

• Connect seasonal staff with mentors who can offer guidance and insight into the Club’s long-term opportunities.
• Allow employees to shadow various roles, broadening their understanding and engagement with the Club.
• Offer planning sessions to discuss long-term career prospects within the Club.
• Commit to internal promotion, clearly communicating this potential pathway to seasonal staff.

Implementing these strategies enhances the appeal of seasonal positions and strengthens your Club’s operational resilience. By investing in seasonal employees, clubs can cultivate a dedicated, skilled workforce that contributes to the immediate needs and strategic goals. This approach fortifies the Club’s reputation as an employer of choice and ensures a consistently high level of member service, pivotal for long-term success in the competitive landscape of private clubs.

Partners in Your Employee Experience Success

At SCS, we specialize in finding opportunities that elevate your club’s employee experience. With years of experience and a proven process, we’re poised to take the weight off your shoulders, ensuring a seamless integration of continuous training and engagement into your club’s culture. Our comprehensive approach extends beyond the conventional, crafting a nurturing environment that not only elevates the employee and member experience but also drives your club toward excellence.

With our team of professionals by your side, you’ll have access to the expertise, tools, and support necessary to foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous growth. Because when it comes to redefining the employee experience and achieving sustainable success, you don’t have to do it alone, we’ll ensure that your most valuable asset—your people—are equipped, engaged, and inspired to excel.