Reframing End-of-Year Compliance: Turning the Lull into Momentum

Welcome to the latest edition of the Untold Compliance newsletter. This newsletter is brought to you by the end of the year exhaustion. It includes an article to fire you up and a complimentary training video to fire up your people.

The Preframe

It's the end of the year, no-one is bothering about compliance initiatives. Now is not the time to start anything new. Everyone has switched or is switching off.

This may be true but how about if you could reframe this time of year to your strategic advantage? To make ethics and compliance more front of mind, more important and more 'seen'?

Can we reframe the end of year lull and turn it into our compliance advantage?

In this article I argue that not only can we, if we are not doing this then we are setting ourselves up for a delayed start to the new year. It is actually imperative that we act now and take advantage of the 'silly season' for our ethics and compliance programs.

Plus I also share a 2 min video for you to use in your organisations, courtesy of me.

Are you ready? Let's begin

About this newsletter

This newsletter isn't just another read; it's a whole new way of looking at legal and compliance. By integrating insights from a diverse array of fields—think psychology, neuroscience, economics, physics and beyond—with seasoned legal and compliance expertise, we're crafting a narrative that legal, ethics and compliance in organisations is a catalyst for innovation.

The information in this newsletter is not intended to be used as legal advice. I would be happy to provide specific legal or compliance advice if you have any specific questions. Just email me at [email protected].

Alternatively consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.

The Pre-Frame: Setting the Scene

As we approach the end of the year, it’s natural to feel the pull of holiday celebrations, vacation planning, and last-minute deadlines. It’s a time when inboxes go quiet, calendars clear up (a little), and many of us look ahead to January for fresh starts and new initiatives.?

So for us in-house legal and compliance folks, the temptation might be to ride out the lull and wait until the new year to regain momentum. But what if the year-end isn’t a time to pause, but a golden opportunity to push your compliance efforts forward?

Let’s reframe how we think about this period. The holidays aren’t a barrier—they’re a bridge to a stronger, more engaged compliance culture.

The Reframe: Why the End of the Year is Perfect for Compliance Initiatives

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The end of the year offers a unique mix of conditions that make it the ideal time to connect with employees about compliance:

1. Reflection is in the Air: People are naturally reflective, thinking about what went well, what could improve, and what they want to focus on in the new year. It’s the perfect moment to weave compliance into these reflections.
2. A Focus on Shared Values: The holidays remind us of values like fairness, trust, and care for others—the same principles that drive compliance and ethics programs. Tying compliance to these values makes it more relatable.
3. Less Noise, More Attention: With fewer competing business priorities, compliance messages are more likely to be noticed and absorbed. A well-crafted message can resonate more deeply when the pace slows down.

Reframing Compliance for Employees

To make compliance feel relevant and engaging during the holiday season, focus on what’s in it for them.

• Protecting Employees’ Rights: Compliance isn’t about bureaucracy; it’s about creating a fair, safe, ethical and respectful workplace where everyone can thrive.
• Fostering Confidence: Employees feel more secure and supported when they know how to navigate policies and expectations.
• Preventing January Pile-Ups: By tackling small compliance actions now, employees can start the new year with clarity and focus.
• Compliance can be a Strategic Advantage: as I share in the extract from my new book (Told:old: How in-house legal and compliance professionals secure airtime, gain traction and transform organizations) in a recent newsletter:

By fostering critical thinking, breaking down silos, and engaging experts, organizations can transform compliance into a strategic advantage."

How to Leverage the Year-End to Boost Compliance Engagement

1. Frame Your Messages Positively: End-of-year communications should focus on gratitude and shared success. Example: “As we close out the year, we want to acknowledge your role in building a culture of integrity. Your efforts make a massive difference. You are our first line of defence when it comes to fraud, financial crime, modern slavery and [ ]".
2. Highlight Quick Wins: Keep your requests manageable to fit into the year-end bustle. Encourage employees to double-check their training and certifications are up to date. Also a great time to consider whether there are any last minute expenses that need to be approved.
3. Celebrate Successes: Use the quieter time to recognize examples of employees who have demonstrated the exact behaviours we want to see. This reinforces positive behaviors and encourages others to follow suit. Example: “Thanks to [Team X] for identifying and addressing [an issue]. Your actions protected our company and team members!”
4. Plant Seeds for the New Year: Position compliance as a foundation for success in 2024. Example: "As we gear up for 2025, let’s see compliance for what it really is—a driver of trust, accountability, and sustainable growth. It’s not just about rules; it’s about building a culture where integrity fuels success. Next year, let’s make 2024 a year of impact and trust."
5. Infuse Compliance into Holiday Communications: Make compliance approachable by integrating it into the festive spirit. A holiday-themed message: “Stay ethical at the company party—remember, your expenses should be merry and compliant!” Use digital cards or lighthearted reminders to keep compliance top of mind without overwhelming.

Resources: Ethics and Compliance for Managers: Careful what you approve

And if you need here is an engaging video that my team made a few years ago called Careful What you Approve. If you want to use it for your team, just DM me and I will send you the link.

Post-Frame: From Reflection to Action?

The end of the year isn’t just the finish line for 2024—it’s the launch pad for 2025. By reframing compliance during this time, you’re not only reinforcing its importance but also positioning your program as a partner in employees’ success.

The key is to show employees that our legal, ethics and compliance programs are more than policies and rules; it’s about protecting them, empowering them, and helping us all work better together to the strategic advantage of the organization.

So, let’s use the lull to drive clarity, connection, and momentum, and step into the new year with compliance already top of mind.

If you’re looking for more strategies to embed compliance into your organization effectively, I go into detail about the Reframe, Preframe, and Postframe (the Frame Training Method) in my upcoming book, Told: How in-house Legal and Compliance Professionals Secure Airtime, Gain Traction and Transform Organizations. The book is packed with actionable insights and resources to help you use this powerful approach to strengthen your program, engage your employees, and drive lasting cultural change.

Get on the list for early access to Told.

Happy holidays.

Nicole

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