December is a month of holiday preparations, heightened consumer activity, and a surge in demand for seasonal workers. According to Grupa Progres, the number of people seeking holiday jobs in 2024 has risen by 10% compared to last year, with young people under 25 making up a significant 56% of candidates. Women dominate the seasonal workforce, accounting for 58% of all applicants.
Seasonal work during the holiday season is particularly popular among students and young professionals looking to boost their budgets for gifts or winter vacations. However, the opportunity also attracts candidates from other age groups, including those aged 26–50 (34%) and even older individuals over 50 years old (10%).
Why Seasonal Jobs Matter
“The main reason people seek holiday jobs is the need for extra income, especially in tougher economic conditions,” says Cezary Maciołek, CEO of Grupa Progres. “For young people, these roles offer valuable work experience. For seniors, holiday jobs provide both financial support and social engagement, which can be equally important.”
The pre-Christmas season brings opportunities across various industries, including retail, logistics, and gastronomy. Employers offer flexible schedules and quick payment terms, such as daily or weekly wages, making these roles especially appealing during a time of high expenses.
Opportunities in Retail, Warehousing, and Gastronomy
Retail Roles:
Shopping malls become hubs of activity during December, driving demand for sales assistants, cashiers, and product promoters. Responsibilities range from restocking shelves and assisting customers to handling transactions. Many retailers offer part-time, full-time, or weekend shifts, with hourly wages starting at 30 PLN gross. For those willing to work weekends or Christmas Eve, rates may be higher.
Warehousing Jobs:
The surge in online shopping creates significant demand for warehouse workers to pack and prepare orders. Gift wrapping roles are also in high demand, often targeting younger candidates to create festive packaging. Hourly wages range from 29 to 35 PLN gross, with additional bonuses for productivity.
Gastronomy and Food Stalls:
Christmas markets and bustling restaurants require extra hands to serve customers. Seasonal workers in gastronomy may handle orders, serve food and beverages, or assist in kitchen tasks. Roles often require availability on weekends or evenings, with wages starting at 28.50 PLN gross per hour, plus tips, which can significantly boost earnings.
Specialized Seasonal Roles
Holiday Animators and Performers:
Shopping centers often hire staff to play festive characters like Santa Claus or elves. These roles involve interacting with children, distributing small gifts, and creating a joyful atmosphere. Wages range from 30 to 50 PLN gross per hour, with potential bonuses for those donning the iconic Santa suit.
Couriers and Delivery Drivers:
The holiday rush also increases the need for couriers and delivery drivers. This work is fast-paced, especially in the two weeks leading up to Christmas. Pay depends on the number of deliveries and distances covered, averaging 30–40 PLN gross per hour, with higher rates for weekend or evening shifts.
Women Lead the Seasonal Workforce
Women outnumber men in every age group seeking seasonal jobs, representing 58% of applicants compared to 42% for men. According to Maciołek, this may be linked to the gender pay gap and lower pensions among women, driving them to seek additional income during high-spending periods like Christmas.
“This trend not only reflects the dynamic changes in the labor market but also highlights how critical these opportunities are for many people to supplement their income during key times of the year,” adds Maciołek.
Last-Minute Job Market for Seasonal Work
For employers who have yet to hire seasonal staff, the clock is ticking. As Maciołek notes:
“For latecomer employers, it’s now or never to secure candidates. On the other hand, job seekers are in a much better position—there’s still plenty of demand, and many roles are available immediately. For employers unable to fill positions, they may have to roll up their sleeves and take on the seasonal workload themselves.”
Whether it’s earning extra cash for gifts or gaining valuable work experience, seasonal jobs continue to play a vital role in the holiday economy, offering benefits for workers and businesses alike.
