1 week ago
India Festive Hiring Seen Rising 15-20%, Creating 2.5 Lakh Jobs
Companies in India are expected to hire more temporary workers during the 2026 festive season.
The number of seasonal and gig jobs could reach about 2-2.5 lakh.
These jobs may be available in shopping, delivery, hotels, travel and customer services.
Businesses are starting to plan their hiring much earlier than before.
They are also looking for workers outside the biggest cities.
Smaller cities could provide about 45% of all festive hiring.
Many jobs now require using digital platforms, data and automation.
Some seasonal workers may later find longer-term employment opportunities.
Festive hiring in India is projected to rise 15-20% in the second half of 2026.
The increase could generate around 2-2.5 lakh seasonal and gig opportunities.
E-commerce, quick commerce, retail, logistics, hospitality, travel and consumer services are expected to drive demand.
Employers are reportedly beginning workforce preparations 12-14 weeks before the festive peak.
Tier-II and Tier-III cities may account for about 45% of hiring demand, with recruitment there growing 25-30%.
- Who
- Businesses in e-commerce, quick commerce, retail, logistics, hospitality, travel and consumer services, along with seasonal and gig workers.
- What
- Festive hiring is expected to rise 15-20%, creating around 2-2.5 lakh seasonal and gig opportunities.
- Where
- Across India, including Tier-II and Tier-III cities such as Jaipur, Lucknow, Indore, Surat, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Coimbatore, Chandigarh and Kochi.
- When
- The increase is projected for the second half of 2026; employers are beginning preparations 12-14 weeks before the festive peak.
- Why
- Companies are preparing for increased festive demand and are expanding their use of flexible, technology-enabled talent.
Key facts
- Projected hiring growth
- 15-20% in the second half of 2026
- Estimated opportunities
- Around 2-2.5 lakh seasonal and gig jobs
- Hiring sectors
- E-commerce, quick commerce, retail, logistics, hospitality, travel and consumer services
- Workforce planning
- Employers are preparing 12-14 weeks before the festive peak
- Smaller-city share
- Tier-II and Tier-III cities are expected to account for around 45% of demand
- Smaller-city growth
- Recruitment in Tier-II and Tier-III markets is projected to grow 25-30%
- Report source
- NLB Services
Quotes
Varun Sachdeva
SVP and APAC Head, NLB Services
“The festive season is becoming a real‑time stress test for India's workforce—and the results are pointing to a fundamental shift. Employers are hiring earlier, looking beyond traditional talent hubs and increasingly relying on technology‑enabled, flexible and ready‑to‑deploy talent.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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