Integrity Recruitment Newsletter October 2024

The Dreaded New Year's Resolution

I absolutely love this time of year! Yup, I'm one of those people who is already thinking about getting their Christmas tree up....... It's also a busy time of year for the Osborne household with Halloween on Thursday, Ava's 4th birthday on Saturday, my 21st(ish) birthday on Monday, and then the rundown to Christmas and camping at Papamoa. The sun has some heat, we're getting glimpses of summer, and everyone is ready for a much needed summer break. 

As business leaders, you need to be thinking about how you are going to retain staff over this period, now. We've all been there. Counting down from 10, one drink too many in hand, saying, "This year is going to be my year!" Resolutions are made and you're in the total head space to make change. Then you wake up, the booze wears off and the hangover kicks in. 90% of us will forget about the resolution and head to the beach. But what about that 10% that actually decide to make a change? The ones who like to shake things up. You'll find that, if this is how they run their personal life, it's how they run in business. It's the people you can't afford to lose; your leaders, your drivers, your ambassadors. 

Here's what you need to do now, so you don't have to call me in 'ambulance at the bottom of the hill' mode in January 2025.

Show appreciation

I was at a Women in Leadership event last week and we were discussing how being shown appreciation is more appreciated than any lavish Christmas party. As business leaders, you need to be talking to your people and thanking them, with specific examples, for what they have done this year. Don't leave it to HR or People and Culture. Move away from your desk and talk to your people.

Acknowledge the market and share future plans

Acknowledge to your team that it has been a tough year, both financially and mentally. Share how it has impacted you as a business owner and that you're looking forward to a break too. Share what you plan to do over the holidays and ask them what they're doing. Then share your business goals for 2025, even how you plan to get there. It doesn't have to be an encyclopedia of your business plan, keep it light hearted but confident. Make your people feel that they're going into a summer holiday with a secure job to come back to. 

Christmas parties

Get off site. If your business can't afford to do much this year, explain that to your team. They'll get it. Ask everyone to bring a picnic blanket, grab some cooked chicken and buns, and go play cricket at the Botanical Gardens. Tell them to bring their families and make it a family fun day. Someone must dress up as Santa though..... that's an absolute must!

From what I'm seeing in the market from clients and candidates, everyone is tired, irritable, a bit pissed off, and ready for a break. Now is the time to change those negative feelings to a more positive mindset; we've made it through, 2025 will bring movement again, and we can't wait to have you join us on the journey.

57 days until Christmas!