The holidays are a busy time for many companies, and it’s common to hire seasonal employees to keep up with the increased demand. Holiday shopping expenditures are expected to rise more than 16 percent, and companies like Target plan to hire 100,000 employees nationwide.

While you expand your work force to keep up with the holiday rush, it can be difficult to maintain strong security with all the new faces. Here are five tips to consider when hiring seasonal employees.

1. Ask For New Hire Referrals

Consider asking your trusted, current employees to refer seasonal hires. Your existing employees might know friends or family members interested in seasonal work. If your current employees’ reputations are at stake with the suggestion of a new hire, you’re more likely to have trustworthy referrals.

Think about implementing an incentive program for employee referrals. Offer your existing employees a gift card for successful hires. Draft a clear employee referral policy that states the new-hire must work through the holiday season in order for the employee to receive the incentive.

2. Thoroughly Screen Job Applicants

You can also conduct other screening processes to help you vet your candidates more thoroughly. Here some other practices you can include in the hiring process:

  • Background checks will give you insight into your candidate’s past and will typically include employment verification, credit history and criminal history.
  • Drug screens can ensure safety in the workplace, especially if the applicant is applying for a job in the transportation industry.
  • References are an easy way to discuss with previous employers and determine if the applicant is the right fit for the job.

3. Utilize Video Surveillance Strategically

It’s difficult to keep an eye on important areas, such as a cash register, during the holiday shopping rush. Use video monitoring to record activity in:

  • Confidential data areas, like offices or data storage rooms where employee information is kept.
  • Customer traffic areas, including entrances and exits.
  • Employee break rooms.
  • POS terminals.
  • Stock and inventory storage rooms.

Video monitoring keeps you connected to your business when you’re not around. Consult with experts to identify your business security needs, determine placement and ensure proper setup.

4. Upgrade Your Access Control

With so many new employees, you will need to control who has access to restricted areas. Trusted, senior employees should only have access to areas, such as inventory rooms or areas where sensitive information is stored.

Employ a business access control system, and limit who has permission to enter specific areas. These systems can also provide insight as to who enters and exits particular rooms with data logs.

5. Implement Electronic Article Surveillance Technology

Shoplifters cost retailers $6 billion during the holiday season. Seasonal employees may not be as adept at spotting shoplifters as long-term employees, so you may need to rely on Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) for help.

EAS is an advanced system to help prevent shoplifting. EAS technology uses electric antennas and tags fixed to merchandise. These tags are removed when customers check out. However, detection systems at the exits of the store will trigger an alarm and alert the staff if they sense a tag passing through.

Shoplifting happens year round. You should consider implementing EAS technology as a permanent prevention system, rather than just during the holiday season.

Don’t get caught up in the rush during the holidays. Follow these five tips to ensure your business is safe as you hire seasonal employees.