The New Year is a time of flux. With the Christmas rush over, employers’ thoughts will be turning to Q1 and the year ahead. The temporary staff you took on in December may have already moved on, and your rivals will be scouting around for best talent to help them move forward. So, how should you plan your staffing needs for 2018?

Get ahead of the game

It might seem obvious, but the best way to avoid New Year staffing woe is to plan ahead. Christmas will arrive in a flash, and the 1st of January will loom large over the festive period. It’s remarkable how many businesses let things slide at this time of year. December can be chaotic, but safeguarding the future of your business should be paramount. Start planning now and stay ahead of the game.

What do you need to improve?

Identify areas of the business that you want to focus on in the New Year. Do you have a division that has underperformed and needs shaking up? Looking to target a new market or move to a different location that would mean bringing in new staff? All of these questions should inform your recruitment policy and planning. Don’t get stuck in a rut – consider making some changes and target staff accordingly. Onwards and upwards!

Plan for Brexit

Perhaps you operate within an industry that relies on a steady stream of labour from the continent.   Although internecine squabbling is threatening to pull the government apart, it seems we are finally inching towards a Brexit deal. Whether or not this is the kind of deal that will benefit UK businesses is open to question. However, given this uncertain climate, it’s crucial to put contingency plans in place that will enable you to cope with a sudden shortfall in staff. If EU nationals suddenly lose their right to work in the UK, the impact on some UK businesses could be catastrophic.

It’s impossible to say precisely if and when this will happen, but we can’t rule out 2018. The only certainty is that forward planning will see you right in the long run. Ensure that you identify an alternative labour pool you can draw upon if your business is heavily reliant on EU workers. If you are unsure where to look, our experts will be more than happy to help.

Don’t forget your retention strategy

Ideally you will already have a staff retention strategy in place, but if not, now’s the time to develop one. Half the battle with staffing is keeping your current employees happy. Little incentives, bonuses and a welcoming working environment all add up to contented staff. These factors can also help with recruitment, as prospective candidates will be more likely to want to work for you. As you look forward to 2018, think first about how to hold on to your current employees, and then consider the kind of company image you want to portray. All being well, the best quality candidates will be queuing up at your door.

Ask the experts

Frontline Recruitment has years of experience in helping employers find the best staff to suit their needs. We can offer expert advice on every aspect of the recruitment process, including planning for 2018. Call us today to find out how we can help your business.