Recognize & Reward Your Team
Recognition is one of the most powerful drivers of engagement and retention. Gallup research shows that employees who feel appreciated are 41% less likely to leave. Public acknowledgment not only boosts morale but also reinforces a culture where contributions are noticed and valued.
What can you do now:
- Shout out wins in meetings, internal newsletters, or Slack channels.
- Celebrate work anniversaries, birthdays, and major project completions.
- Offer small but meaningful rewards,gift cards, extra PTO hours, or handwritten thank-you notes.
Support Working Parents During Back-to-School Season
It’s back to school season- juggling work and school schedules can be tough! Here are some effective strategies to consider, ensuring they are available to all employees to avoid discrimination:
What can you do now:
- Offer flexible start/end times or remote work options.
- Create a resource group or Slack channel for parents to share tips.
- Communicate understanding, not pressure, around adjusted schedules.
Did You Know?
SHRM reports that 83% of working parents say employer flexibility is a key factor in deciding whether to stay with their current company.
Prepare for Flu Season
The flu doesn’t just spread germs; it spreads lost productivity and missed workdays. Encouraging preventative measures helps keep your team healthy, reduces sick days, and safeguards vulnerable employees.
What can you do now:
- Host on-site flu vaccination clinics.
- Reimburse employees for shots at pharmacies (insurance will typically cover this). Communicate the benefits clearly and make participation easy. Encourage employees to visit their doctor or a local pharmacy, such as CVS , to get their shots.
Did You Know?
The CDC estimates that flu costs U.S. businesses $10.4 billion annually in direct medical expenses and lost productivity.
Review 2025 Goals & KPIs
Without mid-year and late-year check-ins, teams can drift off track. Reviewing now allows you to check in with your employees’ well-being, identify gaps, reallocate resources, and refocus priorities before Q4 deadlines hit.
What you can do now:
- Schedule one-on-ones with your team.
- Compare actual performance to KPIs and annual goals.
- Identify at-risk projects and create action plans.
- Share updates with leadership and teams to create accountability.
Did You Know?
Harvard research shows that companies with clearly defined and monitored goals are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their peers.
Start Performance Review Preparation
Thoughtfully planned performance reviews create meaningful conversations, inspire growth, and strengthen engagement. Starting early allows for fairness, consistency, and alignment with pay and sets employees up for success.
What you can do now:
- Finalize review forms and criteria.
- Train managers on giving constructive feedback and on how to write effective performance appraisals..
- Set clear timelines for self-assessments and review meetings.
- Start preparing for remote-friendly review processes if applicable.
Did You Know?
According to Gallup, only 14% of employees strongly agree that their performance reviews inspire them to improve—highlighting the need for a better approach.
Analyze YTD Turnover
Turnover isn’t just a number; it’s a signal. High turnover in specific departments can reveal deeper issues such as management challenges, workload imbalance, or compensation concerns. Early analysis helps you address problems before they affect next year’s results.
What you can do now:
- Calculate turnover rates company-wide and by department.
- Be sure to perform exit interviews, then regularly review interview data for patterns.
- Implement retention strategies before the new year and communicate them to your people managers. You won’t be able to retain employees on your own, so all managers will need to be aware of this strategy and its goals.
Did You Know?
Replacing an employee can cost 1.5–2 times their annual salary when you factor in recruiting, onboarding, and training costs.
Benefits Planning for 2026
Benefits are a critical tool for attracting and retaining talent. Planning early gives you time to adjust offerings to match employee needs and communicate changes effectively. The MetLife Employee Benefits Trends Study found that 80% of employees say benefits are a key factor in staying with their current employer.
What you can do now:
- Review current participation rates and employee feedback.
- Meet with your broker to assess costs and options.
- Explore enhancements like wellness stipends, mental health resources, or expanded PTO policies.
- Prepare your Open Enrollment communications plan now.
Did You Know?
Ignite is now a certified benefit broker (CA license #6014247) and can help California employers to build Employee Benefits packages tailored to your team’s unique needs, and this is a complimentary service for all businesses. It’s just one more way we help you attract top talent and keep employees engaged year-round.
Stay Ahead of Compliance Deadlines
Missing compliance deadlines can lead to costly fines, legal exposure, and reputational damage. Staying ahead ensures your organization remains legally protected.
What you can do now:
- October 15: Send Medicare Part D creditable coverage notices.
- Begin ACA reporting preparations. ACA non-compliance penalties can reach $2,970 per employee per year for certain violations.
- Audit employee classifications to ensure FLSA compliance.
- Confirm healthcare filing requirements with your broker.
Promote Awareness & Inclusion
Awareness initiatives show that your organization values diversity, empathy, and social responsibility. They can also increase engagement by connecting employees to meaningful causes.
What you can do now in preparation for next month:
- Support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with fundraisers or education.
- Acknowledge National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by sharing resources and supporting local organizations.
- In California, ensure policies reflect protected leave rights for domestic violence victims.
Did You Know?
In California, domestic violence victims are entitled to protected leave for legal and safety-related matters. Non-compliance can lead to legal action.
Plan Seasonal Celebrations Early
Planning ahead for workplace celebrations prevents last-minute chaos and ensures higher participation. Thoughtful celebrations can boost morale, encourage team bonding, and reinforce company culture. Glassdoor reports that 79% of employees say company culture plays a significant role in job satisfaction, and events are a key culture driver.
What you can do now:
- Decide on Halloween activities, costume contests, themed potlucks, or virtual parties.
- For the holiday season, order cards and gifts early to avoid supply delays.
- Include both in-person and virtual-friendly options for hybrid teams.
Budget for 2026
A well-prepared budget sets the tone for the year ahead. It ensures resources are available for strategic priorities and prevents financial surprises. Workplace research shows that companies with formal budgeting processes are 30% more likely to meet their strategic goals.
What you can do now:
- Review actual 2025 spending vs. budget.
- Account for salary adjustments, benefits costs, and planned hires.
- Secure early approval for new HR technology, training programs, or wellness initiatives.
September isn’t just another month, it’s your launchpad for ending the year strong and entering 2026 with clarity and momentum. By acting now on recognition, benefits planning, compliance, and culture, you set your organization up for long-term success.
At Ignite HR Solutions, we partner with businesses to navigate HR processes, ensure compliance, and build high-performing workplaces.