KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• 2026 festive season to generate 2.5-2.7 lakh temporary jobs
• 15-20% year-on-year growth in temporary and gig hiring
• 45% workforce demand from Tier II and III cities
• 12-15% wage rise in metro markets
• Employers seek multilingual, digitally proficient candidates

Introduction

Temporary staffing demand during the 2026 festive season is projected to create 2.5-2.7 lakh jobs, primarily driven by sectors such as ecommerce, logistics, quick commerce, organised retail, and BFSI, according to a report by Adecco India.

Key Sectors Driving Temporary Staffing Demand

The surge in temporary hiring is largely attributed to the robust demand from ecommerce, logistics, quick commerce, and organised retail sectors. These sectors are expanding rapidly, necessitating additional workforce to manage increased operational demands during the festive season.

Regional Workforce Dynamics

The report highlights a significant workforce demand from Tier II and III cities, including Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, and Coimbatore. This trend is supported by the expanding reach of ecommerce, growth in organised retail, and rising consumption in these markets.

Wage Trends

Temporary wages are expected to rise by 12-15% in metro markets and 8-10% across Tier II and Tier III regions. This wage increase reflects the heightened demand for temporary workers and the competitive nature of the job market.

Profiles Driving Demand

This year's hiring is focused on scaling up critical operational roles such as retail sales associates, customer support representatives, field sales executives, merchandisers, and manufacturing operators. Employers are increasingly seeking candidates who are multilingual, digitally proficient, and comfortable in customer-facing and operational roles.

Challenges in Talent Availability

Despite the strong hiring outlook, talent availability remains a challenge. Around 80% of employers are experiencing shortages across frontline and operational roles this festive season. Adecco estimates a 10-15% demand-supply gap during the peak hiring period.

Transition to Longer-Term Assignments

Nearly 25% of seasonal associates are expected to transition into longer-term assignments, reflecting the growing role of festive employment as an entry point into India's organised workforce.

Conclusion

The 2026 festive season is set to witness a significant surge in temporary staffing demand, driven by key sectors and regional dynamics. While challenges in talent availability persist, the growing role of festive employment as a pathway to longer-term assignments highlights the evolving nature of the job market.

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