Are you struggling to find reliable seasonal workers? Are seasonal labor costs becoming harder to sustain? Have you noticed that young candidates no longer respond to traditional job offers?

In 2025, the seasonal labor market in Romania is deeply influenced by legislative, economic, and social changes. As an employer, you face new challenges, especially in terms of short-term staff recruitment and retention. Eurostat data shows that over 62% of companies in Central and Eastern Europe consider seasonal labor harder to recruit than three years ago. At the same time, employees are shifting their expectations, demanding transparent working conditions and mutual respect. All these trends are forcing companies to rethink traditional approaches. Discover in this article what has changed in the seasonal labor market and how you can respond effectively if you need temporary workers.

1. European regulations require more transparency

European Directive 970/2023 on pay transparency will be transposed into Romanian legislation by June 2026. And it's worth trying to comply with its provisions already. It requires displaying salaries or salary grids in job advertisements and granting employees access to information on gender pay differences. The main goal is to eliminate pay discrimination and increase fairness among employees. For seasonal work, this rule brings an extra degree of clarity—but also exposure—for employers. Those offering below-market wages or unclear practices can be quickly avoided by candidates. At the same time, transparency can become a competitive advantage if you're willing to communicate your offer clearly.

2. Young Workers Want More Than Just a Paycheck

Generation Z is redefining behavior in the labor market, including in seasonal jobs. Young people are more informed, more outspoken, and more attentive to work-life balance. They aren’t drawn solely by wages—they’re looking for flexibility, respect, opportunities for growth, and a friendly work environment. According to a Deloitte study, nearly half of people aged 18–27 would turn down a job if it doesn’t align with their values. Employers treating seasonal work as a purely transactional relationship risk losing candidates. Investing in transparency, empathetic communication, and training can make a big difference.

3. Costs Are Rising Due to the Loss of Tax Breaks

The removal of tax incentives in key sectors—such as construction, agriculture, and the food industry—has significantly impacted employers. Starting January 2025, social contributions and taxes for employees in these areas have seen a notable increase. According to the Fiscal Council, the overall cost of seasonal labor has risen by as much as 25% in some cases. This sharp rise is placing considerable pressure on profit margins, pushing companies to improve operational efficiency. While some employers have responded by cutting staff or reducing contract durations, such strategies risk undermining productivity. A more sustainable approach involves meticulous seasonal planning and the automation of routine tasks.

4. Digital Recruitment Is Now Essential

Candidates—especially younger ones—look for jobs via social media, mobile apps, and they check employer reputations online. A well-maintained website, a presence on social platforms, and a fast application process are now essential. Additionally, quick feedback after applying is appreciated and helps candidates make faster decisions. Employers who don’t digitize these stages risk wasting time and losing candidates to the competition. Even a basic digital strategy can significantly increase your hiring rate during peak season.

5. Seasonal Labor Is Increasingly Migrating

A growing trend is the migration of Romanian seasonal workers to countries like Germany, Italy, or the Netherlands, where wages are higher and working conditions more predictable. Without competitive offers, local employers are left with fewer viable options. At the same time, there’s growing interest in hiring non-EU workers—especially from Asia, such as Nepal, Bangladesh, or India—who are open to seasonal jobs in agriculture and HORECA. The bureaucracy involved in hiring them was partially simplified in 2024, but logistical challenges remain. However, companies that manage to diversify their recruitment sources will gain a strategic edge during the season. It’s essential that this workforce be treated with the same legal standards and respect as local employees.

Work With a Staffing Agency That Handles the Recruitment Process

Smartemp offers you support in identifying and attracting seasonal candidates, adapting to the specific needs of each industry. With vast experience in recruitment for sectors such as retail, logistics, transportation, human resources, finance, IT&C, IT help desk, office management, we offer you the following advantages:

The year 2025 brings a completely new reality for employers in the seasonal labor sector. From legislative changes to evolving candidate behavior, success now depends on adaptability, clarity, and innovation. You’ll need to rethink your recruitment strategies, provide transparency, and embrace digital tools. In an increasingly competitive market, the difference lies in how you build lasting relationships and understand what people want from their next job. In 2025, candidates are looking for much more than just a paycheck.

Sources: 

• Eurostat – Job Vacancy Statistics
• Morgan Lewis – EU Pay Transparency Directive
• Kinstellar – Important Fiscal Changes in Romania Starting January 2025
• ETIAS – Italy Opens Click Days for Foreign Workers as Labor Shortages Persist

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https://smartemp.ro/en/2025/04/09/recrutare-temporara-de-vara-ghidul-angajatorului/