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UK employers paying out a Christmas bonus may be coming a thing of the past

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Is UK employers paying out a Christmas bonus becoming a thing of the past?

A third of employees have never been given a Christmas bonus, as well as admitting they are unproductive in the run up to Xmas.

Research conducted by Hawk Incentives, a rewards and benefits company found that 33 per cent of UK workers have never received a Christmas bonus from their employer.

Perkbox, an employee experience platform, has found that 33 per cent of employees described themselves as unproductive in the build up to Christmas. However, out of those who do have an office party, 27 per cent said a common regret is drinking too much at the party and regretting acts afterwards.

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Madlena Pozlevic, employee experience lead at Perkbox said:

I think we all would agree that it’s incredibly difficult to keep focus and momentum at work in the month of December. Between parties, work, travelling, planning and present shopping it’s near impossible to keep on top of it all.

Hawk Incentives found that nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of workers saying they are not expecting a financial boost this year, with 70 per cent believing the Christmas bonus will be a thing of the past.

Under half (40 per cent) believe this is due to constant cutbacks in their industry, and 36 per cent say that companies only care about profits.

Three years ago, the average workers would receive in the form of a Christmas bonus was £792, now it is £363.

Chris Ford, senior director, UK sales at Hawk Incentives, said:

This research sadly reveals that so many UK employees believe that Christmas bonuses are a thing of the past.  It also shows how morale boosting a bonus of whatever size can be for an employee.   Many businesses are unaware that you can give up to £50 to each of your employees, tax free, each year as a trivial benefit.

High employment engagement is a constant theme we see in the highest performing businesses across the UK. A small token of appreciation at Christmas time, or any time, can go a very, very long way.

The research was conducted by Ginger Comms, they asked 1,500 UK employees their opinion.

Darius is the editor of HRreview. He has previously worked as a finance reporter for the Daily Express. He studied his journalism masters at Press Association Training and graduated from the University of York with a degree in History.

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