A new study has found that getting the office into the festive spirit through seasonal decorations, such as Christmas trees, provides a boost in employee wellbeing and engagement.
With many Brits remaining in the office right until Christmas Eve, Christmas decorations can add a splash of cheer to the workplace to make working the festive season more bearable. Now, a new study from Ambius, has found that employee wellbeing and engagement actually increases in the presence of festive décor – yet despite both employees and customers expecting and benefiting from Christmas decorations, many companies still neglect to install them.
In the survey, the majority (85 per cent) of employees reported that seasonal décor had a positive impact on their mood at work, while nine out of 10 UK office managers and business owners said they believe that seasonal décor had a positive impact on employee wellbeing. Despite this, one in six UK office managers surveyed do not install either seasonal decorations or a Christmas tree in their office reception.
When asked for feedback on what they felt was the impact on employee behaviour, office managers and business owners cited increased employee engagement as the main benefit of seasonal décor in the workplace, while employees reported that decorations made them feel friendly, happy and celebratory.
Over 300 respondents – both employees and office or facilities managers – participated in the survey. Other key findings include: Seasonal décor doesn’t go unnoticed – three quarters of office managers and business owners said they get positive comments and feedback on seasonal décor from customers; Customers expect decorations – 70 per cent of office managers and business owners believe that seasonal decorations are expected by customers; Trees are on the way up – two thirds of office managers and business owners envisage their company investing more in seasonal décor in the future; Music to employees’ ears – two thirds of employees reported that festive music would positively impact their seasonal experience in the office
Kenneth Freeman, Head of Innovation at Ambius, said,
The festive season clearly has a positive effect on morale for a vast majority of employees, which can be essential in maintaining motivation throughout the darker and colder winter months. Even something as simple as a single decoration or Christmas tree in the reception area can help ensure that festive energy can be channelled into the workplace.
Humans have an innate need to connect with nature and adding greenery to the office is proven to help increase productivity, creativity and wellbeing. If done respectfully, a festive touch in the office, through Christmas trees or seasonal plants such as holly or poinsettias, can bring these benefits, while also enhancing team morale in the workplace.
Aphrodite is a creative writer and editor specialising in publishing and communications. She is passionate about undertaking projects in diverse sectors. She has written and edited copy for media as varied as social enterprise, art, fashion and education. She is at her most happy owning a project from its very conception, focusing on the client and project research in the first instance, and working closely with CEOs and Directors throughout the consultation process. Much of her work has focused on rebranding; messaging and tone of voice is one of her expertise, as is a distinctively unique writing style in my most of her creative projects. Her work is always driven by the versatility of language to galvanise image and to change perception, as it is by inspiring and being inspired by the wondrous diversity of people with whom paths she crosses cross!
Aphrodite has had a variety of high profile industry clients as a freelancer, and previously worked for a number of years as an Editor and Journalist for Prospects.ac.uk.
Aphrodite is also a professional painter.
