This festive season, India’s job market is undergoing a notable transformation. While employers continue to boost seasonal recruitment, job seekers are no longer treating festive roles as just short-term money opportunities. Instead, many are prioritising job security and long-term career growth, according to a recent report from hiring platform Indeed.
According to the survey conducted by Valuvox for Indeed, two-thirds of job seekers now prefer full-time positions, viewing seasonal jobs as a launchpad for sustained employment rather than quick cash. The study found that 69 per cent of candidates prioritise financial stability, while 61 per cent emphasise job security. Additionally, 37 per cent expect long-term benefits such as provident funds. Meanwhile, traditional festive perks like bonuses and paid leave have become less important, with only 7 per cent valuing seasonal bonuses and a mere 5 per cent considering paid leave a priority.
“Today’s workers are thinking differently – they want stability and a future, not just quick income,” said Sashi Kumar, managing director of Indeed India.
Employers Still Lean Towards Temporary Contracts
Despite workers’ growing demand for permanence, employers continue to favour short-term hiring. The survey reveals that over half (53 per cent) of respondents stated that three out of every four festive hires are temporary contracts, an increase of 7 per cent from last year. Additionally, 16 per cent of employers admitted that all seasonal hires are on temporary terms. Overall, 75 per cent of the festive workforce from April to September 2025 is expected to be engaged on non-permanent contracts.
Yet, demand for seasonal staff is on the rise. Around 43 per cent of employers reported an increase in festive hiring compared to last year, especially in sectors like e-commerce, logistics, retail, and hospitality. Key roles being filled include marketing professionals, delivery drivers, and store managers.
Skills Matter More In Festive Recruitment
The hiring landscape is evolving beyond simple temporary roles. Nearly half of the employers surveyed highlighted that finding candidates with technical expertise or domain-specific knowledge is challenging. Important skills also include leadership and management (41 per cent), teamwork (29 per cent), communication (26 per cent), and digital literacy (13 per cent). This shift indicates festive hiring is increasingly focused on securing candidates prepared for long-term careers.
Gig Economy Boosts Festive Job Creation
Complementing these trends, NLB Services estimates the festive season could generate up to 200,000 new jobs nationwide, particularly in retail, e-commerce, logistics, and consumer services. Quick commerce platforms and third-party logistics firms are expected to lead this surge, driven by new investments in supply chain and last-mile delivery infrastructure.
Source – https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/industry/why-employers-are-struggling-to-fill-roles-this-festive-season-heres-what-jobseekers-really-want-article-152880170/amp