'Companies could be doing more to better engage their workforces'
The modern workforce would prefer to forego traditional workplace holiday perks, such as a holiday party or annual bonus, in favour of more consistent rewards and recognition throughout the year, according to a new study from Reward Gateway.
The research surveyed 1,400 employees and senior decision-makers across the UK, U.S. and Australia, and found almost two thirds (65%) of employees surveyed agree that their employers could do more to understand what would be most helpful to them during the holiday season.
The research highlights what the modern workforce, which includes employees across all generations that prioritize flexibility, collaboration and purpose, prefers from their employers during the holiday season:
About 58% of recent graduates agree that they would prefer to forego a holiday bonus in favor of more frequent rewards throughout the year, compared to just over 42% of employees aged 45-54.
More than half of employees would prefer to forego a holiday party and would prefer instead to have ongoing rewards, recognition and savings throughout the year.
Of those surveyed, the top result was more than 4 in 10 (46%) employees preferring savings on everyday purchases instead of a standard holiday party.
When it comes to stress levels during the holidays, 65% of HR managers acknowledge that their employees have heightened levels of stress in their financial health, but only about 40% offer support in this area, which employees are looking for.
The findings highlight that HR and business leaders must evolve to meet the demands of the modern workforce. In fact, more than three quarters (76%) agree that they could in fact do more to understand what would be most helpful to employees during the holiday season.
Robert Hicks, Group HR Director at Reward Gateway, said employees are challenging their employers to look at their benefits as well as reward and recognition programs more closely, getting them to understand that what has worked traditionally may not work for today’s modern workforce.
“What’s interesting from the findings is that employee preference is changing, and that managers agree – companies could be doing more to better engage their workforces,” said Hicks.
“Organizations that prioritize listening to their people and delivering continuous rewards and recognition can create an environment where employees are more engaged and excited about where they work all year, not just during the holidays.”
