Submitted on Tue 12 Nov 2024
Let’s talk about that end-of-year feeling—festive lights are up, people are counting down the days to the holiday break, and it feels like everyone’s foot is hovering over the brake pedal, just waiting to ease into January. And if you’re like many businesses, you might be thinking about holding off on hiring until after the holidays. But waiting to hire until January could actually be costing your business way more than you think!
So let’s dive into why delaying those key hires might not be the best move and how hiring now could set your team up for a smooth, successful start in the new year.
- The January Hiring Frenzy
Imagine that it’s the first week of January, and you’re finally back in the office after a much-deserved break. You’re catching up on emails, trying to get back into the rhythm of things, and then it hits you—those critical roles that still need to be filled, like, yesterday. Now, you’re not alone in this realisation. January is one of the busiest months for hiring, as everyone else has the exact same thought: “Let’s start fresh and hire new talent for the new year!”
But here’s the problem with that…When every company is looking to hire at the same time, you’re not just competing with one or two businesses—you’re up against a sea of employers, all vying for the same talent. That means higher competition, and, more often than not, a lot more back-and-forth. Candidates suddenly have multiple offers on the table, and you’re left in a bidding war.
So, if you’re hoping to snag that top talent, hiring in December when competition is a little lighter could give you a serious advantage.
- Slower Hiring Timelines
January might seem like a perfect time to kick off the hiring process, but realistically? It’s not. Think about it—everyone’s getting back from their break, trying to shake off the holiday rust, and catching up on what they missed. Internal processes take a bit longer because everyone is busy playing catch-up.
Plus, if you’re working with external recruitment partners, they’re dealing with an influx of clients, too. What may have taken a few weeks in December could stretch into months come January, and before you know it, you’re still interviewing candidates by February or even March. The initial goal of a fresh January hire turns into a full quarter scramble just to fill that one critical role. And all the while, your current team is shouldering the extra workload, feeling the strain.
Hiring in December can mean faster timelines, with fewer distractions and delays, so you can start the year with a full team ready to go.
- Lost Productivity
Now, let’s talk about what this delay really costs you: productivity. Those vacant roles aren’t just empty seats—they’re missed opportunities. When a key role stays unfilled, projects stall, deadlines slip, and the entire team feels the pressure. That gap isn’t just about a missing person; it’s about momentum lost and goals that can’t be met.
By hiring in December, you’re giving yourself the gift of continuity. You’re making sure the team doesn’t walk into January feeling behind or overburdened by the work left undone in the previous year. Instead, they’re set up to tackle the new year with energy and optimism, knowing they’ve got the support they need to do their best work.
- “But December Isn’t Ideal for Onboarding, Right?”
We hear you. I’s a common concern. Many people think onboarding in December is disruptive or less effective because of the holiday season. But in reality, starting the onboarding process in December could be one of the best moves you make. Here’s why…December often brings a bit of a natural slowdown, allowing for a smoother, less rushed onboarding experience. New hires have time to settle in, get to know the team, and get a feel for your company culture without the constant pressure of deadlines, plus they might even be able to make it to your end of year work Christmas party and what better way to immerse a new employee into your company culture?
By the time January hits, they’re already up to speed, ready to hit the ground running. You’re not wasting valuable time trying to train a new hire at the peak of your busiest season. Instead, you’ve got a fully integrated team from day one.
- Top Talent Doesn’t Wait Around
Here’s a little secret…the best candidates aren’t waiting until January to start thinking about new opportunities. Many of them are already looking now, hoping to start fresh in the new year with a new role lined up. If you wait until January, you might miss out on the very talent that could help you achieve your 2025 goals. Those proactive, high-quality candidates are already interviewing, and if you’re not in the game, you won’t even have a chance to win them over.
Hiring now means getting ahead of the competition, accessing a strong talent pool before the rush, and securing those candidates who are truly ready to make an impact.
- Financially Speaking…It Just Makes Sense
If you’ve got the budget allocated for hiring this year, why wait? You never know what budget changes might come down the line in the new year, and letting this year’s funds go unspent could mean losing them altogether. Investing in new hires now means you’re making a smart financial decision that could bring major returns in 2025. Plus, hiring at the end of the year can often mean a smoother financial transition for both you and your new hires, who may prefer starting fresh in a new role before the year ends.
- Our Lifetime Guarantee Offers Peace of Mind for the Long Haul
We get it—hiring in December feels like a commitment, and you want to make sure it’s the right one. That’s why we offer our Lifetime Guarantee on placements. If a new hire doesn’t work out within three months, we’ll replace them for free. If they leave within six months, we’ll give you a 50% discount on the replacement. And if they leave any time after that—for any reason—we offer a 25% discount on their replacement, forever!
Imagine starting the year with a full team and the peace of mind that if anything unexpected happens, you’re covered. Our Lifetime Guarantee is designed to help you make hiring decisions now without the fear of getting it wrong.
In Short, Hiring in December is an Opportunity… Not a Chore
By starting the hiring process now, you’re setting up your team and your company for success, reducing stress, and ensuring that when you walk into the office in January, you’re ready to tackle the new year head-on. Think of it as your secret weapon—a way to get ahead while everyone else is still catching up.
So, what do you say? Let’s skip the January scramble, avoid the hiring rush, and make sure you’re starting 2025 with the best possible team by your side.
Ready to make it happen? Give us a call at (02) 8346 6700, or drop us an email at [email protected]. Let’s make 2025 your most successful year yet—starting now.
The Recruitment Company – Making people enjoy the recruitment experience again
Specialist Sydney Employment Agency within Information Technology, Project Services, IT Infrastructure, Software Development, SAP, Data and Analytics, DevOps and Cloud.
