As the year winds down, many companies are tempted to pause hiring until the new year. But as our recent team discussion highlighted, this is actually the best time to be intentional about recruiting and retaining your best people.
The Case for Proactive Hiring
Our recruiting experts emphasized that Q4 is a “grace period” for hiring. Bringing new team members on board now allows time for onboarding and training before the busy season hits. If a new hire isn’t the right fit, there’s still time to make adjustments, avoiding the scramble of peak season when rushed decisions can lead to costly mistakes.
“This is your chance to make an investment, not be reactionary... If you hire somebody now and they don't work out, you still have time to replace them and train the next person before the season starts.” - Barrett Chow, McFarlin Stanford Executive Coach
Retention is Just as Important
We want to help you keep your best people. Burnout is real, and many candidates are looking for new opportunities because they can’t face another year of overload. Now is the time to assess your team, identify who needs support, and build your bench strength. Investing in culture through holiday events and early onboarding helps new hires feel connected and ready to hit the ground running in January.
Streamlining the Process
At McFarlin Stanford, our recruiting team streamlines the process by starting recruitment early, encouraging clients to plan ahead and communicate hiring needs well in advance to avoid last-minute hires. Planning ahead is key – expect the average time to fill a role to be about 75 days and then 12 days until start.
Looking Ahead
If you’re thinking about hiring for January, recruiting should start now. This proactive approach reduces stress over the holidays and sets your team up for success in the new year. We’re here to help you plan, whether you need to fill a new position, backfill, or simply want to discuss your 2026 hiring needs.
Ready to get started? Reach out to our recruiting team to discuss your goals and let’s build a stronger team together.