How to get new hires ready for the holiday rush: practical tips for retailers

As the holiday season approaches, the pressure on retailers intensifies. Not only do customer numbers increase, but so does the need for seasonal hires who can hit the ground running. Effective onboarding is the difference between a smooth holiday season and one filled with challenges and disruptions.

While technology like VR and e-learning are crucial tools, retailers can also benefit from understanding strategies that allow them to train new hires faster and more effectively.  

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Identify the most critical skills to train on

With limited time, retailers must prioritise what’s most important. Instead of attempting to cover everything in a general onboarding session, focus on the critical tasks that your seasonal hires will encounter first. This could include:

• Customer service basics
• Handling transactions and managing point-of-sale systems
• Restocking shelves efficiently

By narrowing the training focus to these key areas, you ensure that new hires are productive from day one. This approach avoids overwhelming them and sets the foundation for success.

2. Create bite-sized, easily digestible learning

When seasonal staff need to get up to speed quickly, long training sessions aren’t effective. Instead, break the training down into short, digestible modules. This is where microlearning shines. It delivers training in 3-5 minute bursts, covering one key concept at a time.

For example, instead of a one-hour session on customer service, you can deliver several short lessons on greeting customers, handling complaints, and upselling—all of which can be completed within a shift.

3. Leverage mobile learning for on-the-go access

Seasonal employees often have varying schedules, so relying on traditional in-store training can be limiting. Mobile learning allows staff to access training materials on their phones or tablets anytime, anywhere. This could mean reviewing training modules during a commute or getting a refresher on the shop floor right before interacting with a customer.

Mobile learning also empowers your team to take control of their own development, reducing the time managers spend answering repetitive questions.

4. Offer real-time support with just-in-time training

One of the most effective ways to ensure seasonal hires succeed is by providing them with just-in-time training—bite-sized content available exactly when they need it. For instance, if a new employee is about to handle their first customer return, a short video or checklist on the company’s return policy can help them complete the task without relying on a supervisor.

This practical, on-the-spot learning reduces errors, boosts confidence, and keeps the workflow moving smoothly.

5. Use digital tools to scale onboarding across multiple locations

If you’re managing multiple store locations, training can become a logistical challenge. Digital tools such as learning platforms and VR training can help scale your onboarding process by providing a standardized, repeatable experience across all locations.

6. Blend training methods for maximum impact

No two employees learn the same way, which is why a blended approach is often the most effective. Combining online learning, microlearning, and on-the-job training gives seasonal hires the best chance to succeed. While they can complete self-paced learning online, managers can use on-the-job training to reinforce what’s learned.

Additionally, scheduling follow-up training in small doses throughout their first few weeks can help them reinforce and retain key skills.

7. Make learning ongoing, not one-off

The onboarding process shouldn’t stop after the first few shifts. Given that the holiday season is fast-paced and constantly evolving, continuous learning is key. Platforms like Axonify make it easy to push out short, targeted learning bursts to employees daily, keeping knowledge fresh and top of mind throughout the season.

For example, you can send out quick quizzes or short training snippets on new promotions or store procedures, ensuring your seasonal team is always up to date without needing to pull them off the floor for lengthy sessions.

The holiday rush can be chaotic, but with an efficient onboarding process in place, retailers can ensure their seasonal hires are prepared to handle the pressure. By focusing on critical skills, delivering training in bite-sized formats, and leveraging digital tools like VR, e-learning, and mobile learning, you can get new employees up to speed in no time.