Hundreds of Thousands of Israelis Face Income Drop Amid Holiday Spending

Hundreds of thousands of Israeli workers, particularly those in part-time or hourly positions, are at risk of a significant income reduction in September due to the Jewish High Holidays. An estimated 884,000 employees work less than 35 hours per week, and an additional 28,000 have recently joined this group. Amit Ostreicher, CEO of Xtras, a workforce management platform, warns that office, administrative, and temporary tech workers may only have about 14 potential workdays in September, a decrease of roughly 35% compared to a normal month. This could lead to a substantial pay cut for those paid hourly or by shift.

This potential income decrease coincides with increased household expenses during the High Holidays, which include family meals, travel, gifts, and vacations. The average family expenditure on food and hospitality alone is estimated at 3,900 shekels, exacerbating the financial strain. Workers who recently started new jobs may also be ineligible for certain benefits during this period, as some payments are contingent on three consecutive months of employment.

Conversely, sectors like hospitality, food service, retail, and clothing are experiencing peak season during the holidays. Workers in these industries might work 21 to 23 days in September, but often face demanding 10-12 hour shifts, physical and mental strain, and sacrifices of personal time and family gatherings. Demand for temporary workers in online retail, such as gift wrapping and warehousing, has surged by 60% to 240%, with significant increases also seen in kitchen staff, sales associates, and stock clerks.

To mitigate income loss, Ostreicher advises part-time and hourly workers to seek multiple employers, monitor job boards for short-notice opportunities, and consider working additional shifts on weekdays to compensate for holiday closures. He also suggests coordinating shift exchanges with colleagues to balance peak earning potential with holiday participation. For those in physically demanding roles, mixing in lighter tasks like remote customer service or administrative work can help prevent burnout.

Ostreicher emphasizes that even temporary and casual workers are entitled to social benefits, including pay stubs, required pension contributions, and insurance coverage. He urges flexible workers to proactively manage their time and finances, balancing the need to capitalize on high-demand periods with the importance of health, rest, and family time. Careful planning, he concludes, can make a significant difference during this financially challenging month.