The increase in consumer spending during the customary Christmas season prompts companies to hire temporary workers to bolster teams for the surge in activity across sectors such as retail, logistics, storage, transportation, as well as restaurants and hotels.
Recruiters note a growing diversity in candidates seeking these roles, ranging from young individuals looking for their first job to professionals undergoing career transitions, and even foreigners who view these opportunities as a way to integrate into the Portuguese market.
“In these roles, over half of our workers are foreigners, underscoring that Portugal relies on this migratory flow to keep the economy functioning,” comments Pedro Empis, operational director of talent solutions at Randstad. He also mentions the youth aiming to enter the market or supplement their income, as well as individuals who are unemployed or employed but seeking extra earnings during the season.
“There are also professionals who juggle various activities, such as those with a regular part-time job who increase their availability during the Christmas season,” adds António Carvalho, temp & perm business director at Gi Group, pointing out that foreigners “see these opportunities as a means of integrating into the job market.”
Daniela Lourenço, brand leader at Manpower, highlights that candidate profiles are “increasingly diverse.” Among the main candidates are not only those previously mentioned but also “people over 45 or 50 years old, with extensive experience, who appreciate the opportunity to stay active with schedules adjusted to their realities.”
iU Talent also notes the “diverse, multigenerational, and multicultural” profile, emphasizing “young students seeking additional income and professional experience,” “individuals transitioning careers or wanting to supplement family income,” and “foreign professionals seeking integration into the Portuguese market.”
Recruiters admit the difficulties in hiring workers for “technical and operational” roles, particularly in logistics, transportation, or waiting staff, to handle the usual Christmas peak in activity.
To address these challenges and attract candidates, companies offer incentives like performance bonuses, meal and transportation subsidies, and the possibility of future integration.
“In addition to a competitive salary, companies providing incentives like flexible schedules, meal and transportation subsidies, and performance bonuses help attract motivated candidates and foster retention even in seasonal contracts,” says António Carvalho.
“If a temporary worker excels during this period, it increases the likelihood of rehiring, or even securing a permanent position with the employer,” adds iU Talent.
