As we move into the shorter days of autumn and the clocks shift back one hour, the typical recruitment consultant’s routine can feel unexpectedly disrupted. For many, this may seem like a small seasonal adjustment. But for recruitment consultants juggling intense workloads, client relationships, and candidate sourcing, this time change can bring both challenges and opportunities to reshape productivity and wellbeing.

In the recruitment sector, where staying connected and motivated is essential, even this slight shift can alter the flow of the workday. Here’s a look at how turning the clock back 1 hour can affect a recruitment consultant’s day, along with tips to make the most of the change.

1. Adapting to Darker Mornings

For many, the end of daylight saving time brings the perk of a little extra sleep in the morning. However, darker mornings may feel demotivating. Research shows that fewer daylight hours can reduce energy and productivity, impacting recruitment consultants who need to stay energised for client and candidate interactions.

Tip: Make Time for Morning Light

Start your day with light exposure, even if it means stepping outside for a quick walk or working by a bright window. Morning light exposure has been shown to help regulate the body’s internal clock, improving mood and focus throughout the day.

2. Evening Productivity vs. Early Finishes

With the clock set back, daylight dwindles faster in the evening, and for consultants who often extend their day to accommodate clients or finish tasks, this can lead to feeling ‘switched off’ earlier than intended. Evening productivity may drop as darkness can signal an end-of-day mindset, even if work remains on the to-do list.

Tip: Re-evaluate Your Task List Timing

To manage this, adjust your schedule so that the most demanding tasks, such as client calls or candidate interviews, are completed earlier in the day. Use the natural energy boost from morning light to handle your high-focus tasks, saving lower-energy jobs, like admin or research, for later.

3. Work-Life Balance: Finishing the Day Right

Work-life balance can be hard for recruitment consultants at the best of times. With the sudden early darkness, it’s easy to feel as though the day is gone as soon as work wraps up. If left unaddressed, this can impact your overall wellbeing, reducing the feeling of ‘downtime’ after work hours.

Tip: Plan an Energising Evening Routine

Make your evenings count by intentionally planning a post-work routine that feels rewarding. This could be anything from a relaxing activity, such as reading or watching a series, to physical activities like yoga or a gym session, which can help lift your mood and boost energy levels.

4. Managing Client Expectations with Seasonal Time Changes

Recruitment is a client-driven business, and each client has a unique schedule and working preference. When the clocks change, especially in sectors that operate across time zones, there can be scheduling discrepancies that cause confusion for meetings and deadlines.

Tip: Communicate Schedule Adjustments Early

To avoid any potential setbacks, proactively reach out to clients and candidates to confirm any timing changes. This reassures them that their schedules are being prioritised and ensures no opportunities are missed.

5. Seasonal Mood Shifts: Managing Mental Wellbeing

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be a real challenge during the darker months, impacting energy, focus, and mood. Recruiters need to stay upbeat and resilient despite these challenges, but darker days can weigh on mental wellbeing and reduce enthusiasm.

Tip: Stay Active and Social

Keeping active is one of the best ways to manage mood changes. If you find it hard to fit exercise into your schedule, start small with a 10-minute walk or try stretching exercises at your desk. Maintaining social activities, such as lunches with colleagues, can also provide a needed boost.

6. Keeping Up Productivity Amid a Seasonal Slowdown

The last quarter of the year often brings a seasonal slowdown in some recruitment sectors. Although this varies by industry, the change in demand can be disorienting. This downtime can be a blessing for planning but might feel unproductive, especially if you thrive in high-energy environments.

Tip: Focus on Strategic Planning

Use this time to plan for the upcoming year by setting targets, improving processes, and upskilling. Consider creating a list of key goals, whether expanding your candidate network, refining sourcing techniques, or creating more value-driven client relationships.

7. The Opportunity to Reset: Embracing the Extra Hour

With an extra hour added to the day, why not take the opportunity to reset? Recruitment can be a fast-paced, high-stakes field, and adding this time to your personal development can be invaluable. Reflect on your career, catch up on learning resources, or explore new industry insights.

Tip: Dedicate the Extra Hour to Self-Development

Allocate this extra hour to personal growth, whether that means diving into industry insights, polishing up your LinkedIn presence, or improving your CV. This is a chance to move forward with purpose, so use it wisely!

Conclusion

Turning the clock back may seem like a simple shift, but for recruitment consultants in Greater Manchester, this change brings both challenges and chances to refocus. By planning your schedule, setting work-life boundaries, and prioritising personal growth, you can make the most of the clock adjustment. After all, recruitment is all about adapting, staying resilient, and creating value—even when the seasons change!

Remember, a proactive approach to seasonal shifts can make all the difference in both your productivity and wellbeing. Here’s to making this time change work for you and your recruitment career!