As we move into the final stretch of the year, the age-old question resurfaces: What happens to the job market in the lead up to Christmas?
For job seekers and employers alike, this period is often filled with mixed messages. Some businesses continue hiring right up to Christmas Eve, while others pause to regroup, review budgets and map out staffing needs for the year ahead.
So, what can we realistically expect from the market over the coming weeks and what’s waiting for us on the other side of the holiday break?
What Happens Before Christmas?
Hiring Remains Active – But More Targeted: Businesses with clear deliverables and year-end goals continue to hire right through December. This is generally the case for sectors like tech, healthcare, education and professional services.
Contracting Surges:
The weeks leading into Christmas are prime time for:
- Backfilling leave
- Preparing for January project kick-offs
- Filling roles before budgets roll over
Some Organisations Hit Pause: SMEs and cost-conscious teams may slow recruitment as they review budgets or await new-year approvals.
And After the Holiday Blues? (January–March)
February is traditionally one of the strongest hiring months of the year and 2026 I believe will be no exception.
What you can expect to see:
- New budgets allocated
- Transformation and digital programs restart
- Employees make “new year, new job” moves
- Government and enterprise projects are launched
The combination of strong employment projections and RBA confidence suggests the market will enter 2025 with healthy momentum.
My Final Words
The lead-up to Christmas isn’t a hiring freeze, it’s a recalibration. Yes, some organisations pause. But many push forward, secure talent early and set themselves up for a productive start to the new year. With strong growth forecasts and opportunities will remain abundant for job seekers.
If you’re considering a career move, or looking to secure talent for 2026, now is still a strong time to act.
Customer Science can help consult and CX People will guide your team to next steps so get in touch!
https://customerscience.com.au
resources: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/news/regional-australias-job-market-tale-two-trends