Keeping the lights on through the Holiday period

For many small businesses, especially in food, retail and tourism, the upcoming holiday period is both a blessing and a battleground. After a slow spring, summer brings the chance to make up potential lost ground in revenue, but it also brings higher expectations and a scramble to attract the right seasonal workers, keep good staff and the lights on. 

In the last quarter, 678 businesses were forced into liquidation, a 31.9% increase on the same quarter in 2023. With insolvency numbers on the rise, it's more important than ever for business leaders to take proactive steps to safeguard their operations and maintain financial stability. What follows is some practical advice for business leaders on how to keep the lights on over the holiday period.

The battle for staff

The fight for good workers is real. The latest Employment Hero Jobs data (September 2025) shows wages in Otago have risen 6% year-on-year, the highest growth in New Zealand outside of the Bay of Plenty (9%). That's great news for workers, but tough for employers already running on thin margins.

For small operators, it can feel like a catch-22, you need to stay open to cash in on the tourism boom, but opening your doors can mean bigger wage bills before the profits roll in and it's a careful balancing act between opportunity and affordability.

My advice to employers is; don't compete on wages alone. Flexibility, meaningful recognition and a great work environment can often do more to attract seasonal staff than a few extra dollars an hour. People want to feel valued and supported, especially in industries where the pace is relentless.

What this looks like will be different for each industry, but it could mean getting creative. A cafe, for instance, might allow staff to take home surplus food at the end of the day so they don't have to cook for themselves or their family at the end of a long shift. 

Smarter solutions for busy teams 

Giving workers choice in their shifts is good for the workers but makes it hard on the Manager. Software can help take some of the load off during the busiest time of year. Software-driven solutions like shift bidding,  shift scheduling, clock in and clock out and leave requests can save hours each week - hours that can be better spent serving customers or managing cashflow.

With new holiday pay regulations coming into effect, getting leave and entitlements right matters more than ever and workforce management platforms can help small businesses handle payroll, rosters and timesheets seamlessly, ensuring compliance and reducing errors that can cost time and money later.

Look after your people and yourself

The festive rush can take a toll on everyone's wellbeing with long hours, hot kitchens and demanding customers testing even the best teams. Creating space for small breaks, recognising hard work and communicating expectations early all go a long way.

Business leaders should also be conscious of their own mental health regularly. Running a business through the holiday period is exhausting and the risk of burnout is real. Reaching out for support from your network, industry groups or your organisation's EAP programme can help lighten the load. (EAP programmes are often an included benefit with workforce management platforms. It's a good idea to check if yours offers this). 

Whether you're staying open or closing, plan ahead

If you're planning to stay open through the holidays, get your rosters finalised early and set expectations with customers around festive operating hours. (Equally, if you're closing down, make sure staff understand how leave will be managed and when they'll be expected back.)

Thinking beyond 'survival'

Smart business leaders are those who think of this holiday period not just as 'survival mode', but as an opportunity to thrive and optimise their operations. It's a good time to review what worked, what didn't and what you can automate or outsource next year.

The businesses that shine through the holiday period aren't necessarily the biggest - they're the best prepared. By embracing technology, taking care of people and staying ahead of compliance, small businesses can keep the lights on without burning out.