More than half of UK workers would prefer a £50 shopping voucher over the traditional office Christmas party, according to a survey of 2,000 employees conducted by Love2shop.
The findings suggest the annual festive employee bash, traditionally funded by the employer, could be on the way out as staff prioritise extra spending power amid the increased cost of living.
Vouchers Beat the Party
When asked what they would most like from the boss at Christmas, 51 per cent opted for a £50 shopping voucher or gift card. Just 11 per cent chose a Christmas party, while 7 per cent opted for a festive meal.
An extra half-day of paid leave proved more popular than the party, with 13 per cent choosing the chance to clock off early instead.
Employees Would Welcome the Change
Almost seven in ten employees would be delighted or pleased if their employer scrapped the traditional festive knees-up and handed out gift cards instead. Just six per cent would be disappointed if the annual bash was axed and replaced with another perk.
More than eight in ten (83%) employees said that a financial perk instead of a traditional knees-up would make a significant difference in how they could afford Christmas.
How Vouchers Would Be Spent
Around a third (30%) would spend a gift voucher from the company on festive food, 24 per cent would buy presents for the kids, 22 per cent presents for a partner, and 16 per cent would just use it for everyday essentials.
Despite being ready to ditch the work Christmas bash, more than 56 per cent still enjoy the occasion – it’s just they would rather have extra spending power instead.
Love2shop’s business director Alex Speed said: “We are finding that a huge number of bosses are now choosing to give their staff shopping vouchers instead. It’s less hassle for them and valued much more by employees.”
