Workers prefer cash bonuses over Christmas parties, survey reveals

Office party every time.

Sadly times have changed. A large number of us no longer even have a workplace now we’re mainly based at home. So relationships with colleagues are not as close as they were.

Office parties meant something when we all worked together, a way of collectively letting down our hair. Today they are an anachronism.

There’s also the cost-of-living crisis to consider, with higher food bills and energy and fuel costs.

So a cash bonus this Christmas would be particularly welcome in preference to a one-off blowout with colleagues one rarely, if ever, meets.

Especially as the party throws up extra costs – travel, clothes, accommodation – even if the drink, food and entertainment are covered.

Everyone loves a party and we need to have fun, but it’s no fun being short of cash at this time of year – which is why a financial bonus gets my vote.

PARTY or Christmas bonus? Listen, party me in all the way.

Tis the season to be jolly, after all, though that memo seems to have been missed by the tedious Covid inquiry, with its grim earnestness and political point scoring.

What has emerged from the charade, however, is that it is not good for us to spend a lengthy amount of time on our own.

Lockdown played havoc with the nation’s mental health and for all we know it’s continuing to do so with so many people choosing to work from home. So let’s get out there and meet people.

And how better to do so than to hang out under the mistletoe?

If you literally never see your colleagues, isn’t it a good idea to reconnect once a year? Who knows, you might even make a new friend who will drag you out for more than one evening every 12 months.

And anyway, parties are a way of creating camaraderie, team spirit and general goodwill.

Someone should send that Covid crew to a party. They look like they need it more than most.

IT has been a source of office merriment – and scandal – for decades but workers are increasingly saying “bah humbug” to the traditional Christmas party.

A staggering 83% of staff surveyed said they would choose a bonus or gift over a get-together with colleagues.

More than half weren’t bothered about any kind of work bash.

Most cited the bills crisis – but having to socialise with people they’re not overly fond of was another reason for a quarter.

Awkward small talk and annoying drunken co-workers were among the niggles.

Employees told pollsters a £110 payment would be a sufficient alternative to a festive soiree.

One in five favoured a gift card or voucher over money in the bank.

But 92% said they’d still like to be given the choice between the bonus or a party.

The poll of 2,000 revealed the average worker has to contribute £33 to their staff Christmas party to cover costs such as food, drink and decorations.

Only one in 20 say they are lucky enough to get a shindig and a financial bonus in their December pay packet.

But while the office bash appears to be out of favour, the number of workers enjoying Secret Santa present giving has risen, with 50% taking part and people spending an average of £14 on gifts.

Staff aged 18 to 24 spend more than double the amount on their gift than older colleagues, splashing an average of £23 compared with £9 for those aged 55 to 64.

However, Secret Santa giving is not so popular in Scotland – where just 5% enjoy joining in.

Frank Creighton, of the gift voucher firm Love2shop, which conducted the research, said: “Every­body has experienced a rise in their cost of living since the pandemic, so it’s hardly a surprise to see the work Christmas party become less and less of a priority as people struggle to make ends meet during the festive period.”

“This should be a wake-up call for UK business owners to start listening to what their employees want – and that’s a financial bonus.”

The money that would otherwise go on a seasonal celebration could be better spent going straight into the pockets of employees.

“While the benefits of a cash injection in December are evident, employers should also note the knock-on effect it can have on their workforce, increasing morale and retention rates in the long run.”