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Workforce planning | Why you shouldn’t wait until January
Written by Danielle Fargnoli-Read
It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through December. Mince pies are vanishing, diaries are filling up with festive catch-ups, and before long, 2026 will be knocking at the door.
For many employers, that brings a familiar temptation: “We’ll tackle workforce planning after the holidays”. But that delay can cost more than you realise.
January isn’t just another month – it’s when business ramps up, deadlines pile in, and teams need to hit the ground running. Leaving workforce planning until then often means rushed decisions, last-minute hiring, and missed opportunities.
The good news? There’s still time to get ahead. Starting your planning now, before the month slips away, could make all the difference.
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What is workforce planning?
Workforce planning is the process of reviewing your organisation’s current and future staffing needs and making sure resources are aligned with business priorities. It involves identifying skills gaps, anticipating upcoming demands, and planning recruitment, training, and development proactively.
The goal is to ensure teams are prepared, adaptable, and ready to meet organisational objectives efficiently – avoiding last-minute hiring or reactive decisions.
Why December is the perfect window for workforce planning
December is busy, but strategically, it offers a rare pause. Leaders can step back, teams can reflect, and organisations get a chance to set themselves up for a strong start to the New Year – without the usual January scramble.
Starting strategic workforce planning now means you can:
- Identify urgent hiring needs early
- Spot skills gaps before they become crises
- Align leadership on priorities and expectations
- Give teams clarity about goals and focus
Think of it as wrapping your workforce strategy like a gift: invest the time now, and you’ll reap the rewards when January arrives.
Workforce planning checklist
To ensure a smooth start to January, use this workforce planning checklist to reflect on your team’s needs and priorities:
Where did teams stretch too far this year?
Roles that were overloaded are a clear signal to plan resource support early. Consider whether temporary support, new hires, or process improvements could help.
Which hires were reactive rather than planned?
If recruitment was only done under pressure this year, now is the time to anticipate demand for next year and create a proactive hiring plan.
What new skills will be essential in January?
Roles evolve, markets shift, and new technology or projects may require updated capabilities. Planning now gives you a head start to recruit or train the right people.
Are your leaders aligned on priorities?
Expectations from the top help teams focus and hit the ground running in January. Consider holding a short alignment session before the break.
Are there upcoming projects or seasonal peaks to prepare for?
Identify busy periods, key deadlines, or new initiatives that may require extra resources, skills, or cross-team collaboration.
Do you have any contingency plans in place?
Unexpected absences or sudden departures can derail early-year plans. Review backup plans and succession coverage to avoid disruption.
By asking these questions before the festive break, you’ll set up your organisation for a more strategic, proactive, and well-prepared start to the New Year.
Avoid the January scramble
Too often, January turns into a month of firefighting – urgent hires, rushed decisions, and teams struggling to catch up. By starting strategic workforce planning now, you can reduce that stress, clarify priorities, and ensure you retain the right talent from day one.
Even a few focused planning sessions this week can make January far more manageable, giving your teams the confidence and clarity to hit the ground running. December is your opportunity – don’t wait until January to act. Planning now sets the stage for a smoother, stronger start to 2026.
Get specialist support with strategic workforce planning
WorkNest helps you take a strategic approach to your workforce, so you have the right people, with the right skills, in the right roles, at the right time:
- Identifying staffing needs – we help you understand which roles need to be filled, when, and with what skills.
- Filling those gaps through recruitment – once needs are identified, we provide end-to-end support to attract and hire the right people.
- Aligning strategy and priorities – we ensure your workforce planning and recruitment are proactive and aligned with your business goals.
- Succession planning – helping you prepare for unexpected absences or departures to maintain continuity and minimise disruption.
By partnering with WorkNest, employers can move from reactive firefighting to proactive workforce planning, giving their teams a confident, organised start to the New Year.
For support based around your specific needs, get in touch on 0345 226 8393 or request your free consultation using the button below.
