November’s the time to plan ahead. Get your people strategy sorted now, before the year-end rush takes over.
2026 brings the same challenges: rising costs, new legislation, retention battles.
Focus on these five areas:
1️⃣ Stay compliant with 2026 changes
New minimum wage rates hit in April. Employment law is changing rapidly. If your contracts and policies aren’t updated, you’re exposed to claims.
2️⃣ Use HR tech to do more with less
Connect your payroll, holiday tracking and contracts in one system. Let AI handle recruitment screening and onboarding. Three hours less on admin each week is 150 hours a year back into your business.
3️⃣ Audit where you are now
Run HR audits and staff surveys now to spot risks early. Find the gaps in training, policies and culture before they cost you. You need facts about why people leave, not assumptions.
4️⃣ Focus on retention, not just recruitment
Keeping someone costs far less than replacing them. Invest in wellbeing and development. Employees who see a future with you deliver better work and better customer service.
5️⃣ Build a 2026 people plan
Map out how you’ll recruit, retain and manage your team next year. Link it directly to your business goals. Know your team structure for March, June and December now.
Want to get ahead and make 2026 your strongest year yet?
Message me or Book a FREE consultation with me to get your 2026 people plan underway.
Helen Price-Evans, HR Guru, Starfish People HR
