All wrapped up - how Sainsbury's hires 17,500 seasonal staff at pace

Seasonal workers hired for Sainsbury’s and Asda’s Christmas recruitment drives will enjoy free food during their shifts and an uncapped 10% colleague discount, rising to 15% every Friday and Saturday. HR Grapevine spoke to Tracey Clements, Chief Retail, Logistics and Supply Chain Officer at Sainsbury’s, to find out how the retailer manages a hiring drive of 17,500 people.

Tracey Clements

Chief Retail, Logistics and Supply Chain Officer, Sainsbury’s

1. How many seasonal roles are you recruiting for Christmas and how do you hire for volume with just a few months to go?

Across Sainsbury's, we're recruiting around 17,500 new and returning colleagues this Christmas. We start planning well in advance, building excitement about the opportunities available and giving our hiring managers the tools and support they need to recruit at pace. It's about striking the right balance between moving quickly and making sure candidates have a great experience with us.