The report notes that compensation levels are expected to rise by 12 to 15 per cent in metro markets and by 18 to 22 per cent in emerging cities
Marking a 15 to 20 per cent year-on-year rise in gig and temporary employment during the second half of 2025, India’s festive season is set to generate over 2.16 lakh seasonal jobs. A report has noted that retail, ecommerce, logistics, hospitality, travel, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) are leading the hiring surge.
In its report, Adecco India highlighted that 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.
“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,” stated Deepesh Gupta, Director and Head of General Staffing, Adecco India.
Metro cities such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune continue to lead in seasonal hiring demand, up 19 per cent from last year. At the same time, tier two cities, including Lucknow, Jaipur are witnessing a 42 per cent increase in demand. Compensation levels are expected to rise by 12 to 15 per cent in metro markets and by 18 to 22 per cent in emerging cities. Encouragingly, 23 per cent more women are participating in this seasonal hiring wave compared to previous years.
As companies scale up last-mile operations in preparation for peak festive demand, hiring in logistics and delivery is projected to rise by 30 to 35 per cent. The report emphasised that the hospitality and travel segments are expected to see a 20 to 25 per cent increase in hiring, while ecommerce and retail will continue to dominate, accounting for 35 to 40 per cent of total seasonal job creation.
