Holidays are a time of magic, warmth and…gifts. This joyful atmosphere often seeps into our workplaces as well. A survey by Randstad reveals that over 80% of employers planned to gift their employees last year. The most popular gifts included holiday bonuses, gift cards, and an extra day off. But why do companies place so much emphasis on holiday gifts? And how do you choose the most valuable present? These questions are addressed by Magda Pietkiewicz, a labor market expert and creator of the Enpulse platform for measuring employee engagement.
Last year, two rival discount stores made headlines not only for a media war but also a war on Christmas gifts for employees. Both chains showered their employees with gifts not only worth 1,000 zlotys, but also holiday packages. However, not every employer can afford such a gesture-it’s estimated that the average employee receives a Christmas gift from their employer worth approximately between 400-500 zlotys.
In research conducted by e-commerce platform Carat, 85% of employees admitted that receiving a Christmas gift from their employer made them feel valued as a company member. Many other studies confirm that all forms of appreciation positively impact job satisfaction, engagement, and employee loyalty.
Magda Pietkiewicz, labor market expert and creator of the Enpulse platform, underlines the importance of appreciation for employees. From a study conducted for the Enpulse and Nais report, “Do you feel appreciated 2024”, 32% of employees acknowledge that having attention given to their work endeavors makes them feel that their work is important. And 30% say that ongoing appreciation makes them feel more engaged in their work. 15% of employees believe that appreciation of their work improves self-esteem.
Mindful of these findings, the report further reveals that only 37% of Polish employees feel appreciated at work. This lack of appreciation can have far-reaching consequences for their engagement, job satisfaction and general well-being. Therefore, employers should pay particular attention to the emotional component in relationships with employees during the holiday season.
The majority of Poles anticipate a Christmas gift from their employer. Cash bonuses are the most desired gift from an employer, with 80% of employees wanting it according to the latest studies, which is not surprising considering December is the most expensive month of the year for many. Tied in second place are an additional day off and prepaid gift card. The list ends with Christmas gift boxes with food or cosmetics.
Custom-tailored gifts are the best. Magda Pietkiewicz advises employers to know their employees’ preferences before making Christmas purchases. She suggests creating a cafeteria of presents from which each team member could choose the option that best suits their tastes and needs.
It’s true that giving employees Christmas gifts has its downsides, such as additional costs and the need to organize the entire action. However, the benefits of giving holiday bonuses to employees can significantly outweigh the associated financial and energy costs.
Gifting employees during the holiday season positively impacts their motivation, engagement, and well-being. With a sense of appreciation from their employers, employees are more willing to commit to their duties, which translates into better results for the entire team. Additionally, the transparency of actions, revealing how much money is allocated for specific gifts and how they are distributed among different levels of employees, can strengthen the sense of equality and fairness in the company.
In conclusion, holiday gifts are not just a cost, but above all an investment in people, which pays off in the form of increased engagement and better results.
Source: https://managerplus.pl/dlaczego-warto-obdarowywac-pracownikow-bozonarodzeniowymi-prezentami-52493
