Employee respondents would have liked to receive more emotional or stress-related support from their employer during the festive period, according to research by Canada Life Group.
The research, which surveyed 1,613 employees, found that 13% of respondents received additional access to emotional or stress-related support from their employer, while a further 24% who said they would like to receive this support.
It also found that 28% of respondents said that the office became more stressful towards the end of 2012, while 60% noted they experienced more stress and tension at home.
The research also found that:
- 57% of respondents wanted a Christmas bonus in 2012, but only 14% received one.
- 81% of respondents received extra benefits during the festive period, the most common being a paid-for Christmas party (33%), flexible working (27%) and leniency when taking time off (24%).
- 40% of respondents’ most desired benefit was a shopping day, while 35% wanted a Christmas present, with 12% actually receiving one from their employer.
Paul Avis, marketing director at Canada Life Group Insurance, said: “Although many [employees] enjoyed extra benefits during the festive period, such as paid-for Christmas parties or more flexibility in taking time off, the fact remains almost a quarter of employees were left feeling under-supported towards the end of 2012.
“Employers should take the new year as an opportunity to review their benefits packages and question whether they are doing enough to produce a working environment that cultivates security and productivity all year round.”
