PRE-CHRISTMAS START OR NEW YEAR KICK-OFF
Drive by Friday
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Drive by Friday –
Make the Right Choice for Your Team
THE CASE FOR STARTING BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Early Onboarding = Early Impact
Bringing someone in before the holidays gives you a head start. Even a short window allows new employees to absorb the basics, understand processes, and get a feel for your culture. By January, they’ve already found their feet and can hit the ground running.
Maintaining End-of-Year Momentum
If your business is pushing hard to close out the year, a pre-Christmas start can keep things moving. A new employee can contribute to final projects, support busy teams, and help you finish the year strong rather than losing pace.
Avoiding the January Hiring Frenzy
January is one of the busiest months in recruitment. Job seekers return refreshed and ready to move — and so do employers. Scheduling your hiring earlier means you avoid the New Year scramble and the increased competition for top talent.
A Softer Start During a Quiet Period
For businesses that naturally slowdown in December, the quieter environment can be ideal. New starters can take their time learning systems, meeting colleagues, and easing into the role without the pressure of peak season.
But There Are Challenges…
Short weeks, leave, and public holidays can disrupt onboarding
Key team members may be unavailable when the new hire needs them
Some candidates prefer not to start a new role right before Christmas
The timing may feel rushed depending on workloads and team capacity
THE CASE FOR STARTING IN THE NEW YEAR
A Fresh Start with Full Attention
The New Year brings a renewed mindset. Teams return rested and focused, planning is underway, and goals are set - making January an energising time to welcome someone new.
Fewer Interruptions and a Smoother Onboarding Process
With everyone back in the office, you can deliver a structured, uninterrupted onboarding experience. The full team is available, which naturally leads to better integration and a more supported start.
A Motivated and Committed Candidate Pool
January often inspires career reflection. Candidates entering a new role in the New Year tend to be refreshed, focused, and ready for a clean professional slate. You may also find people more willing to fully commit without holiday distractions.
However, There Are Downsides…
You delay productivity at a time when the role may be urgently needed
January competition is high — candidates often juggle multiple offers
Your top choice might not be available if other businesses move quicker
Workloads may build up while waiting for the new hire to start
SO, WHAT’S THE BEST CHOICE?
There’s no universal answer — it depends on your business cycle, team availability, and how critical the role is.
The most important thing is to set clear expectations with candidates and plan the onboarding process carefully, no matter what the start date.
A well-supported new employee — whether they start on 10 December or 10 January — will always perform better.
If you’d like helpful onboarding templates or tips for setting new hires up for success, I’m just a message away.
HIRE NOW, OR LET JANUARY COME BEARING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS AND NEW RECRUITS?
December warm-up or January kick-off?
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