Many cos are advancing their hiring cycles to stay ahead of demand and ensure operational readiness

PTI New Delhi

India's festive season is expected to generate over 2.16 lakh seasonal jobs in the second half of 2025, marking a 15-20% year-on-year increase in gig and temporary employment, a report said on Wednesday. 

The rise in festive hiring is being driven by sectors, including retail, e-commerce, BFSI, logistics, hospitality, travel, and FMCG, workforce solutions firm Adecco India said in the report. Hiring activity has gained momentum in anticipation of upcoming festivals like Raksha Bandhan, Dussehra, Diwali, seasonal sales and the wedding season.

Many companies are advancing their hiring cycles to stay ahead of demand and ensure operational readiness for what is expected to be a stronger-than-usual festive period. This year's hiring uptick is being driven by improved consumer sentiment, a favourable monsoon boosting rural demand, post-election economic optimism, and aggressive seasonal promotions, the report stated. 

"This year's festive season is seeing a sharper and more structured demand curve, and we have proactively prepared to meet it well in advance. Unlike previous years where hiring was largely volume-driven, employers today are equally focused on deployment speed, workforce readiness, and regional agility," Adecco India Director and Head of General Staffing Deepesh Gupta said.