Seasonal Staffing and Security: What Businesses Need to Know

When business ramps up, so does your need for extra help—and for many companies, that means bringing in seasonal or temporary employees. Whether you operate a retail store, distribution center, event venue, or restaurant, extra staffing can help keep your operation running smoothly during the busy season.

But here’s something many business owners overlook: seasonal staffing changes your security risk profile. And if you’re not prepared, it could cost you—through shrink, unauthorized access, or unreported incidents.

Why Seasonal Staff Can Pose Security Risks

Seasonal employees are often hired quickly, given condensed training, and given access to areas or systems they may not fully understand. That combination introduces some vulnerabilities:

• Increased risk of theft or loss (internal or external)

• Improper access to secure areas

• Neglect of basic security protocols

• Reduced familiarity with emergency procedures

This isn’t necessarily due to bad intentions—it’s simply a result of limited onboarding and higher turnover. It’s not surprising that retail shrink consistently increases in the fourth quarter, according to the National Retail Federation.

Access Control: Only Let the Right People In

One of the best things you can do before onboarding seasonal help is to tighten your access control system. Electronic systems can issue time-bound access credentials (like keycards or PINs) that only work during assigned shifts or for approved doors.

• Limit backroom, stockroom, or office access

• Disable credentials immediately when an employee leaves

• Track who enters and when

• Avoid reusing physical keys or shared codes

Smart access control helps you manage your team while protecting sensitive areas.

Surveillance: Eyes on the Floor (Even When You’re Not)

High foot traffic, crowded stores, and a mix of new employees can make it difficult to spot problems in real time. That’s where video surveillance comes in.

Well-placed cameras help with:

• Monitoring cash handling

• Keeping an eye on merchandise and high-risk zones

• Dissuading theft or misconduct

• Verifying reports or customer complaints

• Documenting accidents or incidents

Modern systems let you check feeds remotely on your phone or computer—whether you’re in the office, at home, or on the go.

Alarm Systems: Don’t Let Open Hours Mean Open Risk

With temporary employees locking up or arriving early, alarm systems become even more important.

Set up alerts to:

• Notify you when the alarm is armed or disarmed

• Identify missed lockups or after-hours entries

• Provide an audit trail of activity

• Ensure coverage during off-hours stocking, deliveries, or prep work

If you haven’t tested your system lately—or don’t have one—now’s the time to act.

Train Smart, Even if It’s Brief

Even seasonal employees should know:

• How to respond to suspicious activity

• How to recognize social engineering scams (e.g., fake vendors or phony customers)

• What doors to use (and which to avoid propping open)

• What to do in an emergency

• Who to report concerns to

Short, focused training at the beginning of their employment can help reduce accidents and reinforce your expectations.

Create a Culture of Accountability

Security isn’t just about devices—it’s also about culture. Encourage your full-time team to:

• Keep an eye out for new employees who may need reminders

• Report any concerns promptly

• Reinforce the importance of locking up, not letting in tailgaters, and using access systems correctly

Make sure everyone feels empowered to speak up and take responsibility for safety.

Stay Secure Through the Busy Season

Seasonal employees can be an asset when managed wisely. But overlooking your security during this time of year is a risk no business should take.

At Cultris Security Systems, we help businesses protect their people, property, and profits with professionally installed alarm systems, access control, cameras, and monitoring.

Call us today at 281-506-8466 or visit www.cultrissecurity.com to get your seasonal staffing security plan in place.