Onboarding Christmas Casuals – Setting the Foundation for Success

The festive season is one of the busiest times of the year in hospitality, and Christmas casuals are often the lifeline that helps venues keep up with demand. For many, this will be their first job, having just finished school and stepped into the world of work for the very first time. That’s why onboarding Christmas casuals properly is essential for creating a positive first impression of your business and the hospitality industry as a whole.

Here’s how to ensure your onboarding process sets these new team members up for success.

Stay Connected Before Their Start Date

The gap between accepting a job offer and starting the role can be an uncertain time for new employees, particularly for those new to the workforce. Stay connected during this period to keep them engaged and excited.

• Send a welcome email with key details about their first day, including arrival time, dress code, what to expect, and who to ask for when they arrive.
• Share a friendly note about the team, the venue, or what makes your business special.
• Be available to answer any questions—they’ll appreciate your approachability.

This small effort builds trust and reduces anxiety, ensuring they arrive on their first day feeling informed and valued.

Be Present on Their First Day

The first day on the job is nerve-wracking enough without feeling lost or unsure of what to do. As busy as you may be, make time to welcome new team members personally.

• Greet them with a smile, give them a tour of the venue, and introduce them to their colleagues.
• Share a few stories about yourself, the venue’s history, or its culture to put them at ease and make them feel like part of the team.
• If you can’t be there, assign someone who can—a mentor or friendly colleague who can guide them through their first day.

This effort creates a lasting impression and builds a sense of belonging that boosts their confidence.

Set Clear Expectations

New hires need to know what’s expected of them from the start.

• Policies and Procedures: Ensure they understand the importance of guest service, safety protocols, and the standards your venue upholds.

• Personal Presentation: Be clear about dress codes or uniform requirements, and don’t expect them to wear the same shirt every shift! Providing multiple uniform options is a small investment that shows you value their comfort and professionalism.

Clear expectations prevent misunderstandings and set the tone for a smooth working relationship.

Use Open-Ended Questions to Gather Feedback

At the end of their first shift, take the time to ask how their experience was. Use open-ended questions like:

• "I know Mary likes her lemon, lime and bitters prepared a certain way, what did she have to say when you served her?"
• "What did you find most challenging about the day?"
• "What’s one thing we can do to make things easier for you?"

Listening to their feedback shows you care about their experience and gives you valuable insights into how to improve your onboarding process.

Keep the Rest of the Team Informed

It’s also important to remember that onboarding is about more than just the new hire—it’s about integrating them into the team. Let your existing staff know ahead of time who will be joining and when. A simple introduction or quick chat during a pre-shift meeting can help break the ice and create a welcoming environment. Don’t rely on the roster to spread the word—proactively involve the team in welcoming their new colleague.

Why It Matters

Onboarding is your chance to set the tone for how Christmas casuals perceive your venue, your team, and the hospitality industry. A warm, structured, and thoughtful approach helps new hires feel confident, valued, and motivated to contribute during this critical season. Plus, positive onboarding experiences increase the likelihood of casuals returning for future seasons—or even becoming part of your permanent team.

By investing time and care into the onboarding process, you’re not just training an employee—you’re building a culture of inclusion, respect, and excellence that benefits everyone.