• Publish Date: Posted 2 months ago

Countdown to Christmas: Less than 100 Days Left to Plan Your Staffing

The holiday season is right around the corner, and while most people are busy making shopping lists and planning festive gatherings, business leaders, managers and HR teams have another task on their plate: staffing. With less than 100 days left until Christmas, it's crucial to start planning your staffing needs now to ensure a smooth and successful end-of-year push. Here are some tips to help you navigate this critical aspect of your business operations.​Assess Your Temporary Staffing Requirements​Evaluate Seasonal Demand: Take a close look at your historical sales data from previous holiday seasons. Identify trends and patterns to anticipate this year's demand. Are there particular periods or days that require additional manpower?Consider Special Events or Promotions: If your business hosts special events, sales, or promotions during the holiday season, you'll likely need extra hands on deck. Plan ahead to ensure you have enough staff to handle increased foot traffic and customer inquiries.Review Employee Availability: Talk to your current employees to understand their availability during the holiday season. Some may prefer additional hours, while others may have time off already planned. This information will be valuable in determining where and when you need to bring in temporary staff.Identify Critical Roles: Pinpoint roles that are especially critical during the holiday rush. This could include customer service representatives, stockroom personnel, or additional sales associates. Prioritise filling these positions first.Consider Cross-Training: If possible, cross-train your existing employees to handle multiple roles. This can provide flexibility in staffing and help you respond to unexpected changes in demand.​Start Planning Your Permanent Hires for 2024​Long-Term Vision: While the holiday season is a time of heightened activity, it's also an opportune moment to think about the year ahead. Start considering the long-term needs of your business and the skills required for success in 2024.Early Bird Advantage: Beginning your hiring process early gives you a competitive edge in securing top talent. Talented individuals often have multiple opportunities, and being among the first to extend an offer can make a significant difference.Comprehensive Onboarding: Planning ahead allows you to design a thorough onboarding process. This ensures new hires are well-prepared to contribute effectively to your business from day one.Reduced Urgency and Pressure: Rushed hiring decisions can lead to suboptimal choices. By starting early, you can take the time to carefully evaluate candidates, conduct thorough interviews, and make informed decisions.Alignment with Strategic Goals: When you plan your hires in advance, you can align your staffing strategy with your overall business objectives. This enables you to hire individuals who not only meet your immediate needs but also contribute to the long-term growth and success of your company.​The Bottom LineWith less than 100 days left until Christmas, now is the time to take stock of your staffing needs. By carefully assessing your temporary staffing requirements and initiating the process for permanent hires in 2024, you can ensure that your business is well-prepared for the holiday season and beyond. Remember, proactive planning is the key to a successful and stress-free staffing process. Start today, and give yourself the gift of a smoothly run business this holiday season.