Two-fifths (43%) of employees said they receive a financial gift during the festive period, according to research by digital gifting platform Prezzee.
Its survey of 2,000 UK full and part-time employees about their attitudes to work and reward also found that almost half (47%) of employee respondents said they receive either a bottle of wine or hamper, or get extra time off at Christmas.
In-office workers said they are rewarded with financial gifts slightly more than average at Christmas (46%), with fully remote workers least likely to be sent money or a gift voucher (38%). However, fully remote staff are more likely to be given time off (28%) than those working in an office (22%) or hybrid (22%).
Respondents working in HR were found to be among the least likely to get a financial reward (35%), whereas the IT profession was the most generous (47%).
In addition, 79% said they feel complacent at work, with 64% claiming to be bored. When asked if a meaningful token of appreciation would make a difference to their apathy, 79% said it would make them feel more positive.
More than half (54%) said they needed gifts to make them feel valued, with 32% appreciating unique gifts.
James Malia, president of UK and Europe at Prezzee, said: “Our research paints a clear picture: generic, one-size-fits-all rewards are failing to spark motivation or tackle the widespread feeling of complacency among British workers. Simply giving out a standard hamper or bottle of wine isn’t making employees feel valued and with cost-of-living pressures, a financial gift is much more valued.
“The true magic lies in a relevant gift that is personalised to the recipient. Employees want a meaningful token of appreciation, with a strong demand for gifts that make them feel truly valued or are unique to them. A personalised gift shows that an employer sees and appreciates the individual, and that focused effort is absolutely crucial for boosting morale, loyalty, and productivity.”
