How to Keep Engineering Workflows Moving When Holiday PTO Hits
The holidays give your team a chance to recharge, but engineering projects rarely pause. Builds keep moving, reviews still need attention, and customers expect updates. With several people out at once, even well-run teams feel the strain and start to lose momentum.
Why Holiday PTO Naturally Slows Engineering Workflows
Nothing about this slowdown is a failure. It’s simply how interconnected engineering work is. CAD updates, documentation, prototypes, manufacturing changes, and review cycles rarely live on their own. Every step leans on another person, another task, or another decision. When even one link in the chain goes quiet, momentum shifts.
December amplifies all of this. Teams are closing loops, wrapping up projects, and preparing for the new year while several people are out at the same time. The work stays steady, but the support briefly dips. That mismatch is what makes the holidays challenging for engineering groups.
Where Teams Often Fall Behind During the Holidays
Even strong and well-structured teams feel the strain. The areas most likely to slow down are usually the ones that require hands-on attention or niche expertise, such as:
• CAD model updates
• Documentation and drawing packages
• Prototype support and test builds
• Manufacturing line adjustments or equipment changes
These tasks may look simple on paper, but they rely heavily on the people who normally handle them. When those people step away for well-earned PTO, bottlenecks form fast.
How to Keep the Flow Moving When Staffing Dips
The good news is that this end-of-year pressure doesn’t have to come down to choosing between burned-out employees and stalled projects. Many companies smooth out the seasonal workload by bringing in contract engineering help.
This approach keeps the natural rhythm of the work going while your internal team rests. The right support can step in for model updates, documentation cleanup, test builds, equipment changes, and general overflow: components that can help your team longer term. When used thoughtfully, it protects your timelines and your people at the same time.
The goal is not to replace your team. It’s to give them space to unplug without leaving the remaining staff overwhelmed or forcing your projects into a standstill.
Why InterLink Is Different From Traditional Recruiters
If you decide extra support would help your team, there are a few things worth looking for in a partner. One place to start is finding a group that understands engineering work on a real, practical level. At InterLink, every person we send to a team is vetted by experts who have lived inside fast-moving design cycles, manufacturing floors, and testing environments. This ensures the support you get feels seamless instead of disruptive.
Support options to consider:
• Contract support, for as long as you need
• On or off-site support
• Contract to hire options
• Direct-hire recruit straight to your team
• Candidates vetted by engineers who know what makes a design team effective
Contracting options keep the onboarding simple, and if you realize the person is an amazing long-term fit, the trial-to-hire option makes the transition smooth.
Our goal is simple. We want your team to take their holidays without returning to a mountain of unfinished work.
Supporting Your Team So They Come Back Rested, Not Overwhelmed
The holiday season will always bring unique challenges for engineering groups, but it does not need to bring unnecessary stress. With thoughtful planning, the right help, and a workflow that stays supported even while people are out, your team returns in January rested and ready instead of buried.
If you want a lighter holiday workload, steadier timelines, and a smoother end-of-year transition, InterLink is here to help when you’re ready. Connect with an engineer or reach out through our contact page. Your projects and your team will feel the difference.
Special Holiday Recruiting Offer!
If you’re planning to grow your team, this is a great time to do it. We’re offering a limited-time $200 flat recruiting fee for direct hire engineering roles so you can bring on strong talent without the usual recruiting costs.
This offer applies to recruiting only, not on-site or remote contract engineering work. To qualify, your direct hire recruiting engagement just needs to begin before the end of 2025 and the role must be filled by end of March 2026.
If you’d like to see all the details or get started, you can visit the offer page here: Holiday Recruiting Offer →
