by Optimum
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by Optimum
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It is that time of year — the break is in sight, but there is still plenty to do!
This is a wonderful opportunity to take a step back and make sure everything is in order from an HR perspective and plan ahead for 2026.
Rather than tackling an exhaustive list, here are some top priorities to focus on before the year ends:
HR Strategy & Workforce Planning
✅ Workforce Review
- Analyse turnover, recruitment outcomes, and talent gaps.
- Plan resourcing needs for 2026.
✅ Succession Planning
- Identify critical roles and potential internal successors.
✅ Budget Planning
- Review HR, recruitment, and training budgets for the year ahead.
Culture & Engagement
✅ End-of-Year Employee Survey or Pulse Check
- Measure engagement levels and gather insights to inform 2026 priorities.
✅ Celebrate Achievements
- Recognise employee contributions through awards, acknowledgements, or events.
✅ Communicate a Year-End Message
- Share company achievements, thank your people, and outline the roadmap for the new year.
Performance & Development
✅ Finalise Annual Performance Reviews
- Ensure all reviews are completed, documented, and discussed.
- Identify top performers and feed outcomes into succession planning.
✅ Training and Development Recap
- Record all training completed during the year.
- Identify mandatory or compliance training required for 2026.
✅ Set 2026 Performance Goals
- Align objectives with company strategy and business plans.
Getting a Head Start on 2026
- Consider creating an HR Reporting Dashboard, containing key aspects across the employee life cycle including:
- Headcount and turnover metrics
- Engagement and wellbeing results
- Recruitment performance (e.g. time-to-hire, cost-per-hire)
- Training hours and budget utilisation
- Diversity and inclusion statistics
- Leverage the Power of AI
With the evolution of AI, now is the perfect time to review job descriptions and assess which responsibilities could be supported or enhanced through AI tools.
This exercise can be eye-opening — and it helps you get ahead on headcount planning for 2026.
Remember, successful adoption of technology and AI should be led and managed by the people function to ensure alignment with culture, capability, and change readiness.
Enjoy the well-deserved break over the festive season as 2026 will no doubt start where 2025 left off!
Stephen Cushion
General Manager – Consulting
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