The findings from Workhuman®’s latest Human Workplace Index reveals key insights about UK employees’ expectations around workplace gifts and bonuses, and the impact of Christmas on their work life.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact UK workers, the research reveals that 63% of UK workers feel stressed by holiday expenses, yet 42% still plan to buy gifts for colleagues, emphasising the value of workplace gratitude. Gift and bonus expectations are high, with 48% hoping for a gift from their manager and 53% anticipating a seasonal bonus.
The study also highlights the impact of year-end traditions on company culture, with 82% of employees reporting increased camaraderie and team events during the festive season. Many (56%) see gifts as a reflection of their performance, underscoring the importance of workplace appreciation during this time of gratitude and connection.
Recognition as the gift that keeps giving
With 56% of respondents prioritising end-of-year gratitude for their colleagues, most often through verbal thanks (68%) or physical gifts (62%), employers have a unique chance to promote a season of appreciation in the workplace.
Notably, 77% of Brits said they would use points from peer-to-peer recognition programs to purchase Christmas gifts, while 76% agreed that points-based rewards could help ease holiday spending pressures. Additionally, 61% of UK respondents felt that a formal recognition program would make expressing gratitude feel more natural and encourage them to do so more often.
However, despite the clear appeal, recognition and reward programmes remain far from universal. Gallup research shows that only 34% of global employees say their employer offers such a programme. This disparity not only represents a missed opportunity for companies to offer additional support to their teams during financially demanding times but also to foster a culture of appreciation and connection.
Gallup research also shows that employees who receive high-quality recognition are far less likely to leave their jobs. As employees look to give and receive tokens of appreciation, there’s a significant opportunity for employers to introduce or strengthen employee recognition programmes.
Niamh Graham, Senior Vice President of Global Human Experience at Workhuman, commented:
The year-end offers a special opportunity to amplify appreciation, celebrate achievements, and make employees feel truly valued. A well-crafted recognition programme not only boosts year-end gratitude but also serves as a long-term investment in employee satisfaction and company culture. As businesses navigate the challenges of a fluctuating economy, recognition is crucial for fostering a culture of gratitude that lasts throughout the year.
Niamh Graham, Senior Vice President of Global Human Experience at Workhuman
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.
