Year-End HR Planning: 7 Things Smart Leaders Do Before December Hits
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Finish the year strong with this year-end HR planning checklist. From compliance and compensation to culture and planning, here’s how smart business leaders prepare for December.
The end of the year is around the corner and if you lead a team, December has a way of arriving fast and disappearing even faster.
That’s why the last week of November is the perfect time to pause, assess, and make a plan. Smart leaders use this window to tie up loose ends, reinforce their culture, and set the stage for a focused, productive start to the new year.
Here’s what to review before December hits.
1. ✅ Wrap Up Performance Conversations
If you’re doing formal reviews, now’s the time to schedule them. But even if you’re not, don’t skip the chance to reflect and reset with your team.
Use this time to:
Recap wins, challenges, and growth
Set clear expectations for Q1
Ask for upward feedback—what’s helping vs. what’s getting in the way
A quick, thoughtful conversation can go a long way toward retention and morale.
2. ✅ Review Your Compensation Strategy
End of year often brings raises, bonuses, and budget approvals. Make sure your compensation plans are:
Aligned with performance
Informed by market data
Compliant with evolving pay transparency laws
If you’re unsure where to start, a simple pay equity check is a smart first move.
3. ✅ Audit Your HR Policies and Handbook
Don’t wait until January to scramble a policy update. Review now and finalize before the holiday lull. Look for:
Outdated policies or missing sections
New laws that go into effect in 2026 (like PFML in Minnesota)
Inconsistencies between written policies and actual practices
Pro tip: If your team grew, changed structure, or hired in new states, this should be on your list.
4. ✅ Set Time-Off Expectations Clearly
Misunderstandings around year-end PTO can cause frustration on both sides. Now’s the time to:
Communicate deadlines for requesting time off
Clarify your PTO carryover policy
Confirm coverage plans so no one feels overwhelmed
Bonus: share a note of appreciation with your team while you’re at it.
5. ✅ Check Your Compliance Boxes during Year-End HR Planning
If you haven’t run a full HR audit this year, start small:
Ensure labor law posters are current
Confirm I-9s and employee files are complete
Check required trainings or certifications
Verify your payroll system is ready for tax forms
Compliance isn't just about avoiding fines—it helps you build a smoother, less reactive operation.
6. ✅ Plan for 2026 Growth
Use this time to zoom out:
What people challenges slowed you down this year?
Where do you need better hiring, onboarding, or leadership support?
What people systems need to scale with you in the year ahead?
Set 1–2 simple people goals now so you’re not starting January in reactive mode.
7. ✅ Celebrate the Wins
Recognition is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) parts of HR. It doesn’t have to be flashy, just genuine.
Close out the year with a message that says:
Here’s what we accomplished
Here’s how each of you contributed
Here’s what we’re excited for next
Culture is built in moments like this.
Need a Hand With Year-End Planning?
People Solutions Hub partners with small and mid-sized businesses to provide year-end HR planning that allows businesses to start a near year with clarity and start the next one with confidence.
We can help you:
Wrap up performance reviews
Review policies and pay practices
Align your org structure to 2026 goals
Navigate new laws like Minnesota’s PFML
Get HR systems in shape for what’s next
Let’s finish strong and build momentum for the year ahead.
About People Solutions Hub
People Solutions Hub was founded by Nicki Leritz, an HR leader committed to giving small and mid-sized businesses clear, practical, and compliant people operations. After years of watching employers struggle with shifting laws, confusing deadlines, and inconsistent HR support, Nicki built PSH to bridge the gap between what teams need and what real-world businesses can actually manage. Today, our team helps Minnesota employers navigate everything from PFML compliance, employee handbooks, and HR audits to pay transparency, wage notices,
and leave management.
We believe HR shouldn’t feel overwhelming, it should feel supportive and built for long-term stability.
At People Solutions Hub, we partner with business owners, managers, and growing teams to simplify compliance, strengthen workplace culture, and build people systems that actually work.
📩 Reach out at psolutionshub@gmail.com
🌐 Visit www.peoplesolutionshub.co
