Drive by Friday

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Drive by Friday –

As we approach the end of the year, many businesses find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to recruiting. The question arises: should they bring new staff on board before the Christmas break, or wait until the fresh start of the New Year? Both options have their merits and drawbacks, and today we’re diving into the key considerations to help you make the right call for your team and business.

THE CASE OF STARTING BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Early Onboarding, Early Results

Starting employees before Christmas allows you to get a jump on training and onboarding. With a few weeks under their belt before the holidays, they’ll be ready to hit the ground running in January, already familiar with the company’s processes, culture etc.

Capitalising on Year-End Momentum

If your company is experiencing strong momentum, hiring before Christmas can keep the pace going. Your new hire can dive into projects and help finish the year on a high note. This way, you’re not slowing down when everyone else is speeding up to wrap things up before the break.

Avoid the January Hiring Rush

January is a popular time for both job seekers and companies looking to hire, which can lead to a more competitive market. By securing talent now, you avoid the post-holiday scramble for top talent who may be fielding multiple offers come January.

Better Integration During Holiday Downtime

If your business quiets down during the holiday period, this could be an ideal time for your new hire to ease into the company culture with the pressure of a busy season. They can spend time learning the ropes, attending meetings, and getting to know their colleagues.

But there are some challenges…

Limited Availability

December is full of public holidays and personal leave, so there may not be enough time to properly onboard and integrate the new hire before everyone leaves for Christmas. Key team members might be out, making it hard for the new employee to settle in.

Disrupting the Holiday Flow

Some employees might not want to start a new role right before the holidays, especially if they have personal and family plans. Forcing a pre-Christmas start might create stress for the candidate, which could affect their enthusiasm and initial performance.

THE CASE FOR STARTING IN THE NEW YEAR

Fresh Start, Fresh Focus

The New Year brings a renewed sense of focus and energy. Many businesses use January as a time to set new goals and objectives, making it a great time to bring new employees into a fresh atmosphere. Everyone is back from leave, and ready to go.

Avoid Holiday Disruptions

Starting in January avoids the logistical challenges of onboarding during a time when many employees are out of the office. With the whole team back from the break, the new hire gets the full support they need to start strong.

A More Engaged Candidate Pool

Candidates starting in the New Year are likely to be more focused and less distracted by holiday obligations. It’s also a time when many people reflect on their career goals, meaning they might be more open to committing fully to a new opportunity.

However, there are the downsides…

Delayed Productivity

Waiting until January means you’re pushing the impact of that new hire down the road. If the role is critical to your operations, waiting an extra month could cause some strain on the existing team.

The January Hiring Surge

January is peak hiring season, meaning there’s more competition for top talent. You may find that your perfect candidate has already accepted another offer, or you’re competing with more businesses to stand out.

SO, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

Ultimately, the decision to start new employees pre-Christmas or in the New Year depends on your specific business needs. Whatever you decide, clear communication and setting expectations with candidates is key to ensuring a smooth transition, whenever they start.

And remember ONBOARDING is critical!

If you are interested in onboarding information, please send me a message and I’ll share some info.