How to get your business ready for the holidays this year

Long story short: Are you ready for the holidays? Here’s your end-of-year checklist

December 17, 2021 9:56 AM

In the end-of-year frenzy, it’s hard to stay focused on all that needs to be done without letting some things fall through the cracks.

From ramping up and rewriting recruiting strategies, to giving back to the community and your team, our top stories of the week explore those final must-dos ahead of a year-end close. And preparing now will help business leaders start 2022 on the right foot.

For many, that means refocusing recruiting efforts. This year, employers are looking to fill nearly one million positions left open by the pandemic, according to hiring platform, Modern Hire. Learning to hire quickly and efficiently will help organizations — especially in the retail sector — push forward through this season and into the new year.

While holiday stress can be overwhelming, this is also a season to reflect and be thankful. If you’re looking for ways to show your community and your employees you care, building and growing a relationship with a nonprofit organization can go a long way. And to thank employees for a job well done, we’ve rounded up some must-haves in our Employee Benefit News gift guide. See more from our top stories:

Ho, ho, uh-oh: Here’s how the labor shortage is threatening companies' holiday staffing plans

COVID-19 has had an outsized impact on the retail industry, irreparably altering industry hiring strategies and holiday staffing processes. That means many companies are going into overdrive.

Staffing firm Modern Hire has seen clientele shorten the application process down to an hour between when a job seeker applies and when they’re offered their seasonal position. For companies wanting to follow suit, they need to redefine their hiring criteria and engage applicants quickly, working them through the process efficiently and removing the barriers that would previously stand in the way — such as the number of experiences and education requirements.

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Ho, ho, uh-oh: Here’s how the labor shortage is threatening companies' holiday staffing plans

5 employee retention strategies employers will need in 2022

According to a survey by the job search engine, Monster, as many as 95% of workers have considered quitting their jobs, naming burnout and lack of career mobility as their top reasons. In order to retain employees, employers need to create a company culture that puts the worker first.

Experts from PwC and UKG weigh in on five retention strategies employers should integrate into today’s workplace culture if they want to keep their employees from walking away, including how to learn to listen and trust your employees before they walk out the door.

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5 employee retention strategies employers will need in 2022

How to revamp your corporate philanthropy policies for 2022

Employees are placing greater importance on volunteering and corporate philanthropy when it comes to where they’ll work, and if they’ll stay. Seventy-one percent of employees say it’s “imperative” to work for a company that is supportive of giving back, according to a survey by America’s Charities.

While it’s tempting to tie in volunteering and give-back opportunities to the end of the year, this practice needs to be a year-round commitment. One effective way to do this is to partner with one nonprofit organization that aligns with the corporate mission, and the personal values of employees.

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How to revamp your corporate philanthropy policies for 2022

5 gifts to get your team into the holiday spirit

As 2021 comes to a close, employers and employees have navigated a full year of pandemic-induced roadblocks: adjusting to hybrid work, juggling home and caregiving responsibilities, managing mental health strain and more. Employees want to know their workplace has their back, and beyond essential employee benefits, a small token of appreciation can go a long way.

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5 gifts to get your team into the holiday spirit