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“January doesn’t have to be dry,” according to an email subject line written by a marketer a er my own heart (and my cash). But the fact remains that for many, this time of the year is a real slog. We’re meant to be full of hopes and new-year aspirations. People are starting new jobs, and looking for fresh opportunities. It’s “new year, new you” season. I am probably meant to be post-Christmas pumped and powered up to kickstart the year.

But it’s cold; it’s dark; and it’s the prime time for recruitment busyness, a talent director recently told me. (Not that it ever really stops for HR, I’m beginning to understand, as ever-more stats roll into my inbox claiming to quantify the scale of burnout within the profession ahead of Blue Monday… but I digress…)

It’s clear to me that HR professionals must continue to support each other, as well as pressing on with the sterling work they do to support everyone else within their organisations, especially in these dreary winter days. It’s no small task, I know. But I also know that seemingly small actions can make a deep impact: sending a quick, short message to a colleague, asking if they’re okay, can serve to let them know that you care, as well as reinforcing a wellbeing-focused culture that can spur the kind of success we want to see this year, and beyond.

One of the many ways that HR and business leaders are showing that they care is by paying attention to people’s alcohol use, or lack thereof, and adapting organisational culture in response. Our senior reporter and marketer, Dominic Bernard, delves deeper into how employers are flexing their focus on alcohol in this edition’s health and wellbeing feature article, on page 42. Whatever your goal – whether it’s completing a qualification, cutting down on drinking, learning a new skill, or doing more of what you love – I hope you’ll find something in these pages to support and inspire your increasingly important work as you journey towards the next success. Be well.

Seemingly small actions can make a deep impact deep impact

Charissa King E d i t o r, HR magazine

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4 HR January/February 2025

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