Over half (56%) of respondents think their managers should use the first day back at work after Christmas as an opportunity to motivate and energise them, to help them get on track for the month ahead, according to research by Edenred.
Its Slump or jump report, which surveyed 2,000 UK employees, also found that for 60% of respondents, their manager currently takes no action to increase motivation on the first day back at work in January.
The report also found:
- 41% of respondents believe that time spent with their manager on the first working day in January would improve their productivity levels, and 32% of respondents think it would make them feel more valued and happier.
- 41% of respondents view the first day back at work in January as an opportunity to impress their boss with their motivation and to plan how they can improve their performance at work.
- 49% of respondents consider the first day back at work in January as a chance to plan their workload for the month, or get ahead of their targets.
- 25% of respondents feel that a New Year reward and recognition scheme would help to give them a clearer sense of purpose.
Andy Philpott (pictured), sales and marketing director at Edenred, said: “The fact that only 10% of employees leave work feeling inspired after the first day back in January shows employers have a major motivation gap to bridge. Our survey sends a very clear message to anyone in charge of a team; plan ahead, get it right in January and you’ll be making your job a lot easier for the next 12 months.
“There is plenty of enthusiasm and energy there if you can tap into it. It’s down to managers to take the lead and not leave their teams to motivate themselves if they want to avoid the dreaded January performance slump. The smartest leaders recognise the start to the new year as a golden opportunity to hit targets early on and set the direction and tone in the workplace for the year ahead.”
