For businesses that rely on seasonal employees, summer staffing planning should begin well before the busy season. Restaurants, hotels, resorts, amusement parks, and other seasonal businesses can benefit from preparing early for Summer 2027.
Clear summer staffing planning gives you more time to recruit, organize logistics, and prepare your team. Here are five reasons to start planning now.
1. Understand Your Summer Staffing Planning Needs
Before recruiting, identify which positions you need to fill and when you need employees to start. Review previous summers to understand your busiest periods, summer staffing planning challenges, and departments that may need additional support.
For example, a resort might need more housekeeping and food service employees during peak vacation weeks, while an attraction may need additional guest service staff.
2. Allow More Time to Recruit Suitable Candidates
Recruiting seasonal employees takes planning. You will need to define job responsibilities, establish hiring timelines, and identify candidates who fit your business’ needs.
Starting early also gives you time to explore different recruitment options. Eligible US employers can consider the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel Program, which allows eligible international university students to experience US culture while working in temporary or seasonal positions during their summer break.
As a US Department of State-designated J-1 visa sponsor, Spirit Cultural Exchange works with eligible Host Employers to facilitate placements for international participants.
3. Plan Housing and Transportation
In resort towns and other seasonal destinations, finding employees is only part of the challenge. Housing may be limited during peak tourism months, and transportation can be difficult when public transit is unavailable or worksites are far from town centers.
Planning ahead gives you more time to explore housing options, estimate costs, and determine how employees will travel to work.
4. Prepare Your Team for Cultural Exchange
Welcoming international participants can give your team opportunities to learn about different cultures while sharing their own experiences of life in the United States.
A little preparation can help everyone feel more comfortable. Explain workplace expectations, encourage respectful communication, and consider organizing activities that introduce participants to your community, such as local festivals or group outings.
With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, Spirit Cultural Exchange helps Host Employers navigate the program while supporting its cultural exchange purpose.
5. Reduce Last-Minute Hiring Stress
Summer is busy enough without trying to organize recruitment, onboarding, and housing arrangements at the last minute. An early staffing plan helps you identify potential challenges and set realistic deadlines for important tasks.
Although unexpected changes can still happen, preparing ahead gives you more time to adjust your plans and coordinate with your team and staffing partners.
Spirit Cultural Exchange provides dedicated Host Employer support and 24/7 emergency support for urgent participant-related situations. There are also no program fees charged to Host Employers.