Hiring Temporary or Part-Time Workers during Festive Season

Sometimes, businesses face staff shortages due to long employee leave, such as maternity leave, or because they have big projects that require extra help.

During peak seasons, more workers may also be needed to handle the increased workload.

Instead of hiring full-time employees, temporary or part-time workers can be a cost-effective solution since they work for a set period without long-term commitments.

But how do you decide whether to hire a temporary or part-time worker?

We will discuss how to hire temporary or part-time workers, how to decide if you need them. Read on for more details.

What is a Part-Time Worker?

A part-time worker is an employee who works fewer hours than a full-time worker, usually on a regular basis.

Under Malaysian labour laws, part-time workers are those who work fewer than 30 hours per week.

These workers are commonly found in retail, hospitality, and customer service sectors, where flexible work arrangements are required.

Their characteristics are:

Work regularly but fewer hours than full-timers.
Have fixed or flexible schedules depending on employer needs.
Receive proportionate benefits compared to full-time employees.

What is a Temporary Worker?

A temporary worker is someone hired for a short period, usually to help with seasonal demand, special projects, or as a replacement for absent employees.

These workers do not have permanent positions and usually work under fixed-term contracts.

Work full-time or part-time for a limited period.
Typically used to replace staff on leave or handle seasonal workload spikes.
Do not usually receive long-term benefits.

Part-Time vs. Temporary Workers

Factor	Part-Time Worker	Temporary Worker
Work Hours	Less than 30 hours/week	Can be full-time or part-time
Duration	Long-term but with fewer hours	Short-term contract
Benefits	Some pro-rated benefits	Limited or none
Common Usage	Ongoing business needs with flexible schedules	Seasonal demand, special projects, or employee replacement

When to Hire Temporary/Part-Time Workers

Hiring temporary workers or part-time workers is beneficial when a company faces short-term staffing needs.

Some common situations where hiring temporary staff makes sense include:

1. Seasonal Demand

The festive season is one of the best times to hire additional workers due to increased customer demand, such as:

Chinese New Year (January/February) – High demand in retail, logistics, and F&B industries.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri (April/May) – Travel, retail, and food businesses experience a spike.
Deepavali (October/November) – Retail and event planning industries require extra hands.
Christmas & Year-End Sales (December) – Shopping malls, e-commerce, and delivery services boom.

Temporary workers help manage the increased workload without long-term hiring commitments.

2. Short-Term Projects

Some projects require specialized skills for a limited time.

Instead of hiring full-time employees, businesses can bring in temporary specialists, such as designers, developers, IT consultants, or marketing experts, to complete the project.

3. Temporary Replacement for Employees on Leave

When permanent employees take maternity leave, medical leave, or extended vacations, hiring temporary workers helps maintain workflow without affecting operations.

4. Cost-Saving Strategy

Hiring temporary workers can be more cost-effective than full-time employees because businesses do not need to provide full benefits such as EPF, SOCSO, or annual bonuses.

5. Trial Basis Before Permanent Hiring

Employers can use temporary contracts as a trial period before offering permanent employment. If the worker performs well, the company can extend a full-time job offer later.

Which Businesses Benefit the Most from Hiring Temporary or Part-Time Workers?

Many industries see a significant increase in workload during the festive season, making temporary and part-time hiring a practical solution. Key industries include:

Retail & E-commerce – Stores need additional staff to handle customers, restock shelves, and manage deliveries.
Hospitality & Tourism – Hotels, airlines, and restaurants require extra workers to cater to the holiday crowd.
F&B (Food & Beverage) – Restaurants and cafes experience a lot of customers during holiday.
Customer Service & Call Centers – More inquiries and support requests come in during peak seasons.
Logistics & Delivery – High demand for couriers and warehouse staff due to online shopping and gift deliveries.

What is the Maximum Number of Hours a Part-Time or Temporary Worker Can Work?

According to Malaysian labour laws:

Part-time workers: Maximum 30 hours per week (with daily limits depending on industry regulations).
Temporary workers: Follow standard working hours (e.g., 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week) based on their contract.

How Much Salary Can Employers Offer to Part Time/Temporary Workers and How to Calculate?

The salary for part-time and temporary workers varies by industry and job role. However, here are some general guidelines:

Hourly Rate Calculation:

The hourly wage is typically based on the full-time monthly salary divided by 26 working days and then divided by 8 hours per day.

Formula: Monthly salary / 26 days / 8 hours = Hourly rate

Example: If a full-time worker earns RM2,600 per month, the hourly wage would be:

RM2,600 / 26 / 8 = RM12.50 per hour

Daily Wage Calculation:

If paying daily, simply multiply the hourly rate by the number of hours worked.

Example: A part-time worker working 6 hours per day at RM12.50 per hour earns:

6 x RM12.50 = RM75 per day

Salary Ranges for Part-Time & Temporary Workers based on Industries

Retail & F&B: RM8 – RM15 per hour
Warehouse & Logistics: RM10 – RM18 per hour
Customer Service: RM12 – RM20 per hour
Admin & Data Entry: RM10 – RM15 per hour

Employers should ensure they comply with minimum wage laws and offer competitive salaries to attract quality workers.

Do Employers Need to Pay SOCSO, EPF, and Other Contributions for Part-Time or Temporary Workers?

SOCSO (Social Security Organisation): Employers must contribute for both part-time and temporary workers.
EPF (Employees Provident Fund): Contributions are required for workers earning more than RM10 per day.
EIS (Employment Insurance System): Temporary workers may be eligible depending on contract terms.

Should You Hire Full-Time, Part-Time, or Temporary Workers?

Choosing the right worker type depends on your business needs. Consider the following factors:

Factor	Full-Time Worker	Part-Time Worker	Temporary Worker
Cost	Higher salary & benefits	Lower cost	Flexible cost based on contract
Commitment	Long-term stability	Moderate commitment	Short-term only
Flexibility	Less flexible	More flexible	Highly flexible for seasonal needs
Best for	Regular operations	Ongoing but reduced-hour needs	Seasonal demand, special projects

Should You Hire Temporary Workers During the Festive Season?

If your business experiences a significant spike in demand during festive periods, hiring temporary workers is a practical and cost-effective solution.

Temporary workers help cover staff shortages, improve customer service, and boost productivity during peak seasons.

How to Decide Whether You Need Temporary/Part-Time Workers

Before hiring temporary staff, businesses should evaluate their actual needs.

Here’s how to determine if hiring temporary or part-time workers is the right move:

1. Assessing Workload and Project Duration

Analyze the worker’s workload and determine how long extra staff will be required.

If the need is only for a few weeks or months, hiring temporary workers is better than increasing the workload of existing employees.

On the other hand, if the workload is always there without 100% commitment, hiring part-time workers can be a good one.

2. Comparing Costs Between Full-Time and Temporary Workers

Temporary workers may not require full employee benefits, which helps companies reduce costs.

However, frequent hiring and training can be expensive, so remember to calculate labor costs before deciding.

3. Evaluating Flexibility and Business Needs

Some industries, such as retail, logistics, and hospitality, experience frequent fluctuations in demand.

Temporary and part-time workers can be a way for businesses to stay flexible without committing to long-term employment costs.

4. Understanding the Impact on Team Productivity

Temporary and part-time workers can reduce the workload on full-time employees and prevent burnout.

However, if not managed well, frequent staff changes can affect teamwork and efficiency. Make sure to plan schedules and training carefully to avoid disruptions.

Where to Find Temporary or Part Time Workers

There are several ways to recruit temporary staff in Malaysia:

Platform	Pricing	Time to Hire	Best For
Maukerja & Ricebowl	Affordable job posting rates with Hiring Support	Quick access to 6M+ jobseekers	Retail, F&B, Logistics, Customer Service, Admin, Hospitality
Recruitment Agencies	Higher fees but faster matching	1-2 weeks	Professional Roles, IT/Developers
University Job Boards	Free or low-cost	1-2 weeks	Internships, fresh graduates, seasonal workers
Social Media & Referrals	Free but slower process	Varies	Casual workers, part-time gigs

Looking to hire part-time or temporary workers during Raya?

Post your job on Maukerja and Ricebowl today to access 6M+ ready-to-work talents in Malaysia. Post a job today and start hiring!