“Is It Time to Grow Your Team? Here’s How to Know ”
One of the most common questions we hear from business owners is: “How do I know when it’s the right time to grow my team?”
Whether you're stepping out of the solo operator phase or expanding an existing team, hiring someone new is a big decision—and one that can have a lasting impact on your business.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are a few key things to consider before you take the leap.
1. Align Growth with Your Business Strategy
Before you post that job ad, take a step back and ask yourself:
Why are you in business? What are your goals? What are your values?
Hiring should be a strategic move—not just a reaction to being busy. Think about what success looks like for your business in the next 6–12 months. What skills or roles are missing that could help you get there? What kind of person would thrive in your environment and align with your values?
When your hiring decisions are grounded in your long-term vision, you’re more likely to bring in the right people—and set them (and your business) up for success.
2. Timing Matters—A Lot
Yes, you need enough work to justify a new hire. But timing isn’t just about cash flow—it’s also about capacity.
If you wait until you’re completely overwhelmed, you may not have the time or energy to properly onboard and support a new team member. And that can backfire. The first 90 days are critical. If someone feels unsupported or unclear about their role, they’re more likely to leave—and you’re back to square one.
Pro tip: Plan ahead. Build in time to train, mentor, and integrate your new hire into your systems, culture, and way of working.
3. Understand the Full Cost of Hiring
Hiring isn’t just about wages. To make a smart decision, you need to understand the true cost of bringing someone on board.
Here’s what to factor in:
Leave entitlements and KiwiSaver contributions
Training time (including the productivity lost from whoever is doing the training)
Tools, equipment, and workspace needs
Time to full productivity—even experienced hires need time to learn your systems
Hiring the wrong person—or hiring at the wrong time—can be costly. But with the right planning, it can also be one of the best investments you make.
So, When Is the Right Time? There’s no magic formula. But if you’ve:
Clarified your business goals,
Identified a clear gap or opportunity,
Planned for onboarding and training,
Run the numbers on the full cost
…then you’re in a strong position to grow your team with confidence.
At EASI NZ, we help businesses across Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes District make smart, people-first decisions. If you’re thinking about hiring—or just want to talk through your options—we’re here to help.
Need support with recruitment, onboarding, or workforce planning?
Let’s chat. Contact us here.