Spring Staff Turnover: Why September Is the Month Employees Start Job Hunting
September often sparks job changes in Australia. Here’s why it happens & how to keep your best people engaged.
As the weather warms up in Australia, and the year heads into its final stretch, many businesses notice an all too familiar trend: staff turnover starts to rise. September in Australia often marks the beginning of a busy period for job changes and if you’re an employer, it’s worth understanding why this happens, particularly in this time of the year and how to prepare best for it … or avoid it altogether.
Why does September spark change?
There are a few reasons why staff movement ramps up at this time of year:
Post-winter reflection
After the darker, colder winter months, many employees re-evaluate their careers and decide whether they want to ‘stick it out’ in their current role.
“New year, new job” mindset
September feels like the start of a new chapter, with people wanting change before Christmas or setting themselves up for 2025. This is the ‘new year, new job’ cohort of people.
End-of-year pressure
We all know we have experienced it. It’s that end-of-year wrap up where your boss wants everything done … yesterday. Workloads often increase in the lead-up to the holiday season, as does the pressure to get everything done before Christmas shutdowns. If employees are already feeling stretched, this pressure can push them to look elsewhere.
Hiring momentum
Many businesses also choose this period to recruit, so there are simply more opportunities available in the market.
Warning signs to watch for
Not every employee who’s restless will come out and say it. Some subtle signals that a staff member may be thinking about leaving include:
A sudden dip in engagement or enthusiasm. Less general ‘presence’ in the office and at events.
Taking more sick days or leaving early. Especially mid-week days.
Less interest in team discussions or future projects.
Increased activity on LinkedIn or updating their online presence.
Being alert to these signs gives you the chance to step in early with a conversation.
What businesses can do
The good news is that staff turnover doesn’t have to catch you off guard. A few proactive steps can help keep your team engaged through the Spring season.
Check in regularly
Sometimes a simple, genuine conversation can uncover issues before they become reasons to leave.
Recognise effort
Acknowledging staff effort, even in small ways, can go a long way in boosting morale.
Offer growth opportunities
Training, mentoring or even small new responsibilities can make staff feel invested in the business. Be careful this doesn’t cross the line of too much pressure, especially if staff are already feeling burnout.
Review salaries and benefits
With rising costs of living, pay remains a major motivator. If you can’t always match market rates, highlight other benefits like flexibility or career development. An ‘early finish Friday’ can go a long way. If the business is able to offer a ‘Christmas bonus’ this can be a small incentive that keeps staff engaged.
September can be a turning point for many employees. It’s also an opportunity for businesses. By understanding the seasonal patterns behind staff turnover and acting early, you can keep your team engaged and avoid the disruption (and headache) of unexpected resignations.
