Top reasons to begin hiring now for New Year starters

As the year winds down, it might seem natural to delay hiring decisions until January. But in the membership sector, where top talent is always in high demand, waiting could mean missing out on your ideal candidates.

Starting your recruitment now not only helps you avoid the January rush but also sets you up for success in the new year. Here’s why getting ahead now can bring remarkable benefits to your organisation’s growth in 2025: 

1. Jump the queue 

January is the “job search rush hour.” In fact, research by Glassdoor has shown that job board traffic jumps by about 55% in January as professionals kick off their new year with career goals. The problem? Everyone else is hiring too, and with so many organisations competing for talent, salaries often get pushed up as employers try to outbid each other. So, why join the hiring rush if you can start now? 

2. Attract motivated candidates looking for a fresh start 

While job board traffic surges in January, more activity doesn’t necessarily mean more quality candidates. Often, the influx creates more noise, making it harder to identify the best fit amidst a flood of applications. Many skilled and motivated professionals actually start re-evaluating their careers toward the end of the year, inspired by annual reviews and the desire for a fresh start in January. 

For membership organisations specifically, this timing is ideal for connecting with skilled candidates eager to start fresh in the new year.  

3. Avoid the January rush and take a thoughtful approach 

Starting the recruitment process now allows for a more deliberate and thoughtful hiring approach, without the time pressures that often come in the new year. For membership organisations, where roles may require specific skills in stakeholder engagement, CRM, or community management, having additional time can be a great help. 

Rushing your recruitment process can lead to making a “mis-hire”, which not only eats into your budget but can also disrupt your organisation’s culture. By taking advantage of the quieter period, you can ensure new hires are not only technically qualified but also a cultural fit, reducing the risk of turnover and creating a more stable team from the get-go.  

We have frequently highlighted that the cost of a poor hiring decision can reach up to three or four times the employee's annual salary, making last-minute hiring not only detrimental but also costly.

Plus, recruiting now gives you plenty of time to properly onboard your new team members. According to Glassdoor, a well-structured onboarding process can increase retention by an impressive 82% and boost overall productivity by up to 70% - helping employees feel valued, engaged, and aligned with your organisation’s mission.  

4. Make the most of remaining budgets 

For many membership organisations, the end of the year brings unique opportunities to use remaining budgets effectively. As financial cycles come to a close, it’s a smart time to allocate resources toward essential hires, ensuring your team is ready for a strong start in the new year. Acting now allows you to make full use of any remaining funds, so critical roles are filled, and your team is fully prepared as January rolls around. 

In fact, a recent survey by ManpowerGroup found that 36% of employers are focused on growth-driven hiring in the next two months, while others are filling positions left open by team changes. This proactive hiring strategy allows membership organisations to kick off 2025 with the right skilled professionals in place, ready to contribute to their mission and meet early-year goals without budget concerns in January. 

5. Alleviate pressure on your existing team 

Leaving roles vacant until January can place extra pressure on your current team, especially during the holiday season. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) reports that increased workloads due to open roles can have a significant impact on your team’s wellbeing. 

Recruiting now helps to balance responsibilities across the team, hopefully providing a sense of relief as the year wraps up. In membership organisations, where workloads can be unpredictable due to event planning or membership renewals, filling positions early can keep operations running smoothly and improve overall morale. 

6. Start the year with peace of mind – recruitment sorted! 

Imagine finishing the year knowing that your key positions are filled and your team is fully prepared for 2025...  

Instead of facing a hectic hiring scramble in the new year, you can enjoy a restful holiday season, knowing everything is in place. Well-prepared teams and leaders are proven to be more efficient, and studies show that organisations with high employee wellbeing see up to a 20% boost in productivity. 

With recruitment done early, you’re setting your team and yourself up for a productive, positive start to the new year. 

Can we help? 

At Membership Bespoke, we deeply understand the distinct needs of membership organisations. From professional bodies to trade associations, we have a vast network of professionals with relevant skills and experience, ready to make an impact in a range of roles. 

If you’re considering hiring, let’s talk about how we can help you get ahead. By starting the recruitment process now, your organisation will be fully equipped to thrive in the new year, with the right people in place to support your mission and drive meaningful change. Click here to contact us.