Employers / News and insights

Battling attrition: how to keep your workforce engaged during peak

by Jennifer Teese

Battling attrition: how to keep your workforce engaged during peak

Attrition is a challenge which impacts many businesses, but for those working in industries with seasonal peaks, the stakes are even greater. High employee turnover doesn’t just disrupt daily operations; it can directly impact your ability to deliver on schedule, especially when competition for labour is fierce. Here’s how we can help you address this head on and build a strong team.

 

Is high turnover holding back your peak delivery?

Demand is at its highest during your peak period, which means there’s no room for gaps in your workforce. Every missed shift or vacancy can cause setbacks, creating a ripple effect that impacts productivity and service quality. And when turnover spikes right before or even during busy periods, you’re not just facing disruptions - you’re at risk of missing crucial targets.

As this year’s peak draws to a close, now is the time to plan ahead in order to mitigate any issues you’ve dealt with this season, which might just rear their ugly head next year. After all, a proactive strategy can make all the difference. At gap personnel we work with you to ensure your teams are prepared and committed, minimising the risk of any last-minute surprises that could affect your entire fulfilment timeline.

 

Facing the challenge of backfilling in a competitive labour market

The reality is that great candidates have options. Waiting until roles are vacant to recruit can put you in a difficult position, especially when you’re competing with companies who are equally eager to attract top talent. And when the competition is high, filling gaps in your labour force quickly becomes a race against the clock. Without a proactive approach, finding the right talent can sometimes feel impossible.

Our recruitment solutions are designed to help you stay ahead of the curve. We focus on retaining and engaging staff so that your team remains strong and committed, even as external market conditions fluctuate. With our support, you’ll be better equipped to attract the best candidates and reduce the constant cycle of backfilling, ensuring you’re ready for future seasonal demands. To learn how to attract and retain top talent in a competitive labour market, explore our guide on How to Attract and Retain Top Talent.

 

How our engage-to-retain processes can support you

1. Client collaboration for that competitive advantage

To make sure we not only attract but also keep top talent, we start by getting to know your position in the local job market. By working closely with you to make your company an “employer of choice,” we help you stand out, focusing on key areas such as work environment, pay rates, and benefits on offer. When workers feel valued and supported, they’re more likely to stick around and deliver results.

2. Transparent communication and support

Our recruitment process emphasises clear, considerate communication from the start. We stay in regular contact with candidates, providing updates and setting realistic expectations for a positive experience. We treat every candidate like a valued customer, building trust and loyalty – and that makes them more likely to choose us again when they’re ready for their next role.

3. Making a great first impression for long-term success

The first few weeks are key in reducing attrition risks and making sure you keep those new hires onboard. To support them, we can:

Provide thorough pre-placement preparation to ensure workers feel equipped and expectations are managed.

  •  Have contract managers meet each worker on day one to offer ongoing support.
  • Check in regularly during the first month to gather feedback, catch any early issues, and show we’re invested in their success.

4. Growing talent and recognising progress

To keep workers engaged and committed, we focus on growth and celebrate strong performance by:

  • Teaming up with clients to offer training, cross-skilling, and career progression options that make workers feel valued and motivated to stick around.
  •  Rolling out incentives, including performance awards and attendance bonuses which create a sense of belonging and encourage everyone to put their best foot forward.

5. Feedback to inspire continuous improvement

We use feedback surveys and exit interviews to understand worker engagement and identify areas for improvement. By listening and acting on this feedback, we continuously refine our approach to meet workers’ needs and boost retention. This helps us deliver a reliable, committed workforce for your business.

 

We’re committed to reducing attrition

Our goal is simple: build a loyal workforce that’s excited to stay and do great work. By putting people first and really listening to workers, we help you reduce turnover and keep things running smoothly, even when the pressure’s on.

As the dust settles from this holiday season, it’s the perfect time to plan for your next surge in demand. Whether you’re looking ahead to any upcoming busy periods or planning for long-term growth, get in touch today. Our solutions will help you build a resilient team, ready to meet demand, exceed fulfilment targets, and become one that workers want to join - and more importantly, choose to stick with.

Discover how we can support your workforce with tailored recruitment solutions by visiting our Specialisms page, or get in touch with our team today to discuss your needs.