Millennials are the first generation to disengage from work in the lead-up to Christmas, with research showing they begin to “switch off” on average by the 16th of December.
A survey revealed that 46.1 percent of millennials divert their attention to non-work-related activities during work hours, making them twice as likely as Gen Z employees to postpone tasks until the new year.
Despite switching off slightly later on the 17th of December, Gen Z workers also show signs of pre-holiday fatigue. Half of Gen Z employees report feelings of burnout, and 45.1 percent admit to avoiding significant or complex tasks in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Generational Differences in Workplace Engagement
Gen X workers, aged 45-54, show a slightly higher level of engagement, with their average switch-off date falling on the 18th of December. However, over a third (33.9%) of Gen X employees avoid larger or more demanding tasks during this period. By comparison, Baby Boomers demonstrate the greatest work commitment, with only 25.3 percent of workers aged over 55 avoiding major tasks before the festive break.
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Overall, younger employees appear more likely to disengage early, potentially driven by higher reported rates of burnout.
Steve Harlow, Chief Sales Officer at Sopro, said, “While the festive season is a time of celebration, it’s vital for businesses to maintain their productivity levels right up until the Christmas closure period to ensure they remain profitable and competitive. With many workers starting to switch off ahead of this date, it can be challenging for companies to generate enough new business leads, which can result in a slump in sales – commonly known in the industry as the ‘December dip’.”
The survey also found regional differences in when workers begin to wind down for Christmas. Employees in the South West of England lead the UK, switching off as early as the 15th of December. Employees in Central, South East, and Northern England, as well as Northern Ireland and Wales, typically disengage between the 16th and 17th of December. Meanwhile, Scotland has been identified as the hardest-working region, with employees there remaining engaged until the 18th of December on average.
