The 3 Best Ways to Retain Seasonal Staff

As the season draws to a close, many holiday parks are waving goodbye to their seasonal teams but the best operators know this isn’t goodbye forever!

Even though HPL Recruitment doesn’t currently place seasonal roles, we’ve seen first-hand how powerful it can be when those team members return year after year. Returning staff come back confident, capable, and already aligned with your park’s standards and culture saving valuable time, boosting team morale, and delivering a consistently great guest experience from day one.

So, how do you make sure your best seasonal team members want to return next year? Here are three simple but effective ways to help them feel valued - and more likely to come back.

1. End on a High

Seasonal work can be intense, and your team has likely gone above and beyond to deliver a great guest experience. Take the time to celebrate achievements, highlight individual successes, and say a genuine thank you. Whether it’s a team party, a recognition post on your internal comms, or simply a personal note from the park manager or family - these small gestures go a long way.

When people finish the season feeling proud and appreciated, they’ll remember your park as a great place to work next time around.

2. Ask for Feedback

Before everyone heads off, gather honest feedback while the experience is still fresh in their minds. What did they love? What could have been better?

Not only does this help improve your operations for next year, but it also shows your team that their opinions matter. When people feel listened to, they’re far more likely to reapply — and even recommend you to friends.

3. Keep in Touch

Don’t let the connection fade when the season ends. Stay in touch through a short end-of-season email, a Christmas message, or even an occasional update about the park’s progress or upcoming opportunities.

Including former seasonal staff in your park’s e-newsletter or mailing list helps them feel part of your story - even when they’re not on-site. And when recruitment season rolls around again, they’ll already be warm, engaged, and ready to return.

The Bottom Line

When people feel valued they come back better. They bring experience, loyalty, and energy that lifts the whole team and improves the guest experience from the moment your gates reopen.

At HPL Recruitment, we believe great recruitment is about building relationships that last season after season.

How do you celebrate the end of your season? We’d love to hear your traditions or appreciation ideas — share them with us on LinkedIn.