The race to year-end
If you’re an HR leader or small business owner, you already know how this time of year goes — it’s packed with tax hurdles, review roadblocks and compliance corners at every turn. That’s why we built the Year-End Marathon Map: your ultimate guide to crossing the finish line without breaking a sweat. Lace up, lock in and join the race.
Follow the course from November to February. Dodge payroll potholes, clear HR hurdles and refuel with exclusive discounts, expert webinars and must-have resources at every stage of the race.
Join the race
Sign up for our free year-end email series — weekly tips, tools, and webinars to help you cross the finish line stress-free.
Start line:
November 1 – 15
And we’re off! The race to year-end starts here: final payruns, HR hurdles, compliance updates and more are waiting up ahead. Let’s take the first stride together.
First up: watch out for those Payroll Potholes. Double-check employee data and final pay run deadlines. Reconcile with finance early so nothing slips.
Next, it’s time to tackle the HR & Performance Plateau by kicking off performance reviews early. Don’t let progress stall before you’ve even hit stride.
Then, round the Compensation Corner by confirming benefits renewal rates with your provider. Research and negotiations take time, don’t leave it too late!
Tackle those compensation or role-change conversations before year-end chaos hits.
More this way
Free webinar: Don’t let payroll trip you up
Tune in on November 13 to outsmart the 5 payroll pitfalls that trip up even seasoned pros!
Mid-race:
November 15 – 28
You’ve found your rhythm: nice one! Let’s keep that momentum going.
Now it’s time for a Vacation Victory Lap. Stay on top of final pay runs, check vacation pay and carryovers and clean up unused balances before they hit your books — so your team starts 2026 on fresh footing.
Then, climb the Holiday Hill — from confirming coverage and staffing plans to brushing up on inclusive holiday language so every team member feels recognized. A little prep now means fewer surprises when the holidays hit.
Finally, check for updated employment laws coming into effect January 1. Review changes to vacation entitlements, leave or wage rules so you’re compliant from day one — and your HR marathon doesn’t start with a false step.
Free webinar: Holiday parties without the legal headaches
From booze-fuelled blunders to boundary breaches, on November 19 our experts break down the 5 legal risks hiding in your holiday party plans.
Year-end doesn’t have to feel like a marathon.
With Employment Hero, you can cross the finish line calm, compliant and in control.
See how we make payroll, HR and compliance feel effortless.
DECEMBER
Full steam ahead:
Nov 29–Dec 12
You’ve made it this far – now’s the time to stay steady.
December’s focus: smooth payroll closeouts, clean compliance and getting ahead on 2026 goals.
From unused vacation pay to your first January pay run, we’ve got the tools to keep you on pace through the final sprint.
Pull in for one last Payroll Pitstop. This checklist helps you flag errors and finish payroll strong before year-end.
Stay sharp through at the Compliance Checkpoint. Learn which payroll mistakes can trigger CRA audits – and how to steer clear before January hits.
Shift gears toward 2026 at the Goals Grid. Set meaningful goals, communicate them clearly and keep your team gaining ground all year long.
Free webinar: 3 ways to strengthen your benefits renewal strategy for 2026
From cost creep to coverage confusion, our experts share practical ways to get ahead of renewals, control rising benefits costs and set your team up for a smooth start to 2026.
You’re halfway there! Unlock your exclusive reward
Sign up for The Race to Year End newsletter and we’ll send your reward straight to your inbox in the first week of December. Don’t miss out — you’ve earned this.
Keep pace:
Dec 13 – 24
The finish line’s in sight, but don’t slow down yet. December’s final stretch is all about clean wrap-ups and smart starts. Double-check unused vacation balances, process payouts correctly and prep your first 2026 pay run so January kicks off without a single payroll hiccup. Take a breath, stay steady — you’re about to cross into a brand new year.
During the holiday period CRA online services are unavailable Monday, December 22 to Monday, January 12, 2026
Pick up the Vacation Velocity before the break begins. Make sure unused vacation pay is processed, recorded and compliant – so you start 2026 with a clean slate.
The first pay run of 2026 sets the pace for the year ahead. Follow the Payroll Path with our checklist on staying compliant, error-free and right on schedule.
Reminder 🕓 CRA & WSIB updates ahead.
The CRA updates business remitter types in early December – double-check yours to avoid surprise fines. Provinces will also release new workers’ comp and WSIB premium rates, so review them now before they trip you up!
Free webinar: 5 must-know 2026 legal updates for Canadian SMBs
From pay transparency to remote-work rules, our legal partners break down the key changes every employer needs to know before the new year hits.
Skip the year-end hurdles with Employment Hero
The Final Lap
Week 8-9 (Dec 27 – Jan 16)
THE NEXT STRETCH UNLOCKS SOON!
Sign up to our weekly year-end email series!
Stay in the know with expert tips, important reminders and a chance to unlock exclusive rewards as you power toward the finish line!
