Lovewell's logic: Navigating Christmas celebrations in 2022

Christmas party season is well and truly underway. With so many celebrations cancelled over the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year, many are relishing the opportunity to celebrate with friends, family and colleagues. But, given the volatile economic climate we are currently living in, and the hardship faced by so many individuals due to the cost-of-living crisis, some employers have questioned whether Christmas gifts or lavish celebrations really send the right message this year.

According to research by Blackhawk Network, just 10% of respondents want a Christmas party this year. Instead, just under two-thirds (63%) said they would favour receiving a gift card from their employer.

Demonstrating sensitivity to employees’ circumstances is important, particularly at a time when so many are struggling to afford essentials such as food and energy bills. Some 11% of Generation Z respondents to research by career site Reed.co.uk, for example, said they would be unable to attend their work Christmas party due to rising costs. Among this age bracket, 22% said they were worried they would be unable to afford a new outfit for the occasion, 17% were concerned about being able to afford a taxi home and 14% could not afford to buy gifts for colleagues.

However, does this mean all celebrations should be foregone all in favour of diverting the money that would have been spent on these into providing practical support for employees? The results of both pieces of research suggest this is not the case. Blackhawk’s, for example, found that 86% of respondents said that rewards, such as gift cards, make them feel valued, while 81% felt that rewards encourage them to work harder.

This corresponds with the 61% of respondents to Reeds.co.uk’s research who said a Christmas party would help to boost morale. In addition, 41% of respondents aged 18 to 24 felt attending a Christmas party would give them something to look forward to during the cost-of-living crisis, and 28% said they would feel valued by their employer hosting a Christmas party.

At a time when many employees have moved to hybrid or remote-working arrangements, having the opportunity to meet and catch up with colleagues in person may also be valued by staff.

While circumstances this year present a challenge for employers when planning Christmas festivities, figures such as these suggest there is still merit in marking the occasion, even if this is in a different way to previous years.

However you will be celebrating, I wish you all a happy and healthy festive season. See you in 2023!

Debbie Lovewell-TuckEditorTweet: @DebbieLovewell