Promote, Preserve, Partner

As we approach Q4, many companies are faced with tightening budgets, often leading to hiring freezes. These pauses in hiring can be challenging, but with proactive planning and the right strategies, their impact can be minimized.

Whether you’re a leader, a hiring manager, or even a company without an HR department, it’s crucial to understand how to navigate these situations. Let’s explore three key strategies to manage a hiring freeze effectively: Promote, Preserve, and Partner.

1. Promote Open Dialogue

When a hiring freeze is implemented, transparency is your best friend. It’s natural for employees to feel anxious or confused, so maintaining clear and consistent communication is essential.

Here’s how you can promote open dialogue:

Communicate Early and Often:

Address the freeze head-on by explaining the reasons behind it—whether it’s due to budget constraints, market shifts, or seasonal business strategy. Let your team know what to expect and how long the freeze might last.

“As a Director of Recruiting, I’ve seen firsthand how a hiring freeze can create a ripple effect across all levels of a company if the reasons behind it aren’t clearly communicated. When leaders fail to articulate the ‘why’ and ‘how,’ it can lead to increased workloads, burnout, and anxiety about job stability. HR can play a crucial role in stepping in as an advocate, ensuring transparent communication to help manage concerns and maintain morale.”

— Heather Kaasa, Director of Recruiting, Lakeside HR Group

Encourage Two-Way Communication:

Don’t just deliver the news; invite feedback. Encourage employees to voice their concerns and ask questions. This not only alleviates anxiety but also helps you gauge the team’s morale and address any brewing issues before they escalate.

Support Leaders:

Equip your managers with key talking points and validate their efforts. They’re on the front lines, and their ability to communicate effectively can make all the difference in keeping the team motivated and focused.

2. Preserve Your Talent Pipeline

Even during a hiring freeze, it’s vital to keep your talent pipeline warm. Stopping recruitment efforts entirely can lead to long-term damage, making it harder to rebound once the freeze lifts.

Stay Engaged with Candidates:

If you’ve been in contact with potential hires before the freeze, keep the lines of communication open. Explain the situation honestly and let them know you’re still interested in their skills. A delayed start date is often more appealing than no opportunity at all.

Prioritize Critical Roles:

Identify and focus on filling essential positions that can’t be left vacant. This ensures that your company’s core functions remain strong, even during tough times.

Continue Networking:

Stay active in industry events, online forums, and professional networks. Building relationships now will pay off when you’re ready to hire again.

3. Partner Up

When internal resources are stretched thin, partnering with external experts can provide much-needed relief and support.

Fractional HR and Recruitment Services:

At Lakeside HR Group, we offer fractional HR and recruitment services that allow you to maintain momentum during a hiring freeze. Whether it’s interim leadership, capacity planning, or even strategic consulting, we can help you navigate these challenging times.

Consult with Experienced Leaders:

Reach out to peers who have gone through similar situations. Learning from their experiences can provide valuable insights and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Strategic Planning Assistance:

Engage a thought partner who can assist in reevaluating your capacity planning and ensure you’re set up for success when the freeze is lifted.

Get Support & Learn More

Have a question or want to learn from others who are experiencing hiring pauses? We invite you to join the conversation at our upcoming Lakeside Chat: “Get Ahead of the Hiring Freeze” – webinar on Tuesday, September 17 at 10am ET / 9am CT.

Lakeside’s Recruiting Division Director, Heather Kaasa, along with Lakeside’s Host, Erin Hargrove, will discuss how to navigate hiring freezes, optimize your recruitment efforts, and position your organization for success as you head into the new year. Register and Learn More

About Lakeside HR Group

We are a premier HR Consulting and Recruiting firm connecting people and businesses through personalized, full-service solutions. As a boutique firm of seasoned HR professionals, we specialize in providing customized HR services for small to midsize businesses. With expertise across diverse industries, positions, and states throughout the U.S., we partner with our clients to discover top talent and deliver the support needed to help their businesses thrive.