Planning for Christmas and the New Year

As Christmas approaches, many businesses face the unique challenge of balancing the immediate demands of the festive season with the longer-term workforce planning for the new year.

For a lot of companies, the holiday season is the busiest time of the year, requiring additional team members to meet increased demand. However, as January brings new opportunities and strategic goals, they must also think ahead to secure top talent for the year to come.

Recruiting for Christmas

The lead-up to Christmas often sees a surge in temporary or seasonal hiring. To stay ahead, businesses should:

• Be quick and be flexible: Many freelance workers value communication and flexibility. Being timely with your requirements and offering adaptable schedules can help attract a wider pool of candidates.
• Review your resources: Look at your capacity, and time to hire. Would using a recruitment partner help speed up hiring and onboarding during this fast-paced period?

Looking ahead to the New Year

While Christmas is critical, January offers a fresh slate to refine your recruitment strategy. Here’s how to get a head start:

• Review the Festive Period: Use insights from your Christmas hiring process to identify any gaps or challenges in your strategy. Did you struggle with volume, speed, or retention?
• Focus on Retention: Some seasonal hires may prove to be exceptional assets. Consider offering permanent roles or long-term contracts to top performers.
• Plan for Growth: The new year often brings budget allocations and strategic shifts. Align your hiring plans with these goals to ensure your workforce supports your vision.
• Invest in Employer Branding: A strong brand attracts quality candidates. Use January to revamp your recruitment materials and highlight your company culture across your digital platforms.

Effective recruitment during the holiday season is about more than just filling roles; it’s an opportunity to build a pipeline of talent for the year ahead. By staying proactive and planning strategically, companies can not only meet immediate needs but also set themselves up for success in 2025.

Whether you’re hiring for the Christmas rush or planning for long-term growth we can offer a free consultation to review your current structure, culture, and gaps in employment to help shape your team for the year ahead.

AND…for any companies planning to recruit, we offer preferential fees for Chamber members.