As everyone settles down for the Christmas break, thoughts are on money and the cost of Christmas. It’s all so much more expensive and there are endless reports in the media about it. Add to this the cost of living crisis and we have a perfect storm for staff looking at their finances and wondering if they can earn more somewhere else.

The festive break is also one of the most popular jobhunting seasons. People start thinking seriously about the next year and what they hope to gain from it. For some it will be to take that step on the career ladder, or change their career altogether. For others though, it will be all about the money and how they can maximise their income - issues like pay reviews, overtime and bonuses are on their minds and planning to increase earning capability is key, even if it means moving on.

If you are at risk of losing your key staff and you haven’t increased pay or looked at doing a pay review recently, you might want to get started on it as soon as you can in the New Year.  Telling staff you are looking at it might just get the jobhunters to hold fire a little longer. Honestly, if money is the only driver, it is an easier option to stay where you are if you know that the money situation might improve soon.

My next few blogs are all going to be about undertaking pay reviews and hopefully providing some hints and tips to make your life easier. If you want to know more then follow me, or reply in the comments and I’ll take you through some of the key things that make it easier for you.