Christmas gift-giving by UK employers leaves many employees unsatisfied.
- A significant 46% of employees rate their employers as poor gift-givers.
- In 2023, half of UK employees did not receive any Christmas gift from their employers.
- Expectations for gifts in 2024 remain low, with 55% not anticipating any.
- Gift cards are viewed as a favorable option among employees.
Christmas gifting from employers in the UK is under scrutiny as nearly half of the workforce expresses dissatisfaction with the gifts they receive. A survey by Blackhawk Network (BHN) highlights this sentiment, revealing that 46% of employees consider their employers poor gift-givers, and 34% consistently find the gifts unsuitable.
The discontent is particularly pronounced among Gen Z employees, with 56% acknowledging they’ve received at least one undesirable gift from their employers each year. The data also indicates that half of the UK employees went without a Christmas gift from their employers in 2023, and expectations remain low for 2024, with 55% of employees foreseeing a similar outcome.
Despite this, gifts from employers are valued, with 83% of surveyed employees stating that receiving a gift makes them feel appreciated, and 72% noting it energizes them for the new year. The desire for end-of-year bonuses is also pronounced, with 34% of employees hoping to receive one in contrast to the 13% who did last year.
Shopping behaviors in the UK are adjusting as economic concerns persist. Forty percent of consumers plan to complete their Christmas shopping by November’s end, with many opting for earlier purchases for budgetary reasons, not simply gift selection. Economic pressures, such as inflation and job security, influence these habits, pushing 57% of shoppers towards less expensive or own-brand products.
To adapt, many UK consumers are turning to credit cards, with 50% planning to do so this festive season, up from 44% last year. Cash remains a preferred method for 38%, with budgeting being the primary reason for its use.
In light of these insights, gift cards emerge as a practical employee gift solution. With 62% of UK consumers expressing a preference for gift cards from employers, they represent a beneficial choice for businesses aiming to give appreciated and flexible presents. Chris Ronald from BHN suggests that employers should move away from traditional gifts like chocolates and instead offer more choice-centric options such as gift cards.
As Christmas approaches, UK employers face the challenge of aligning their gifting strategies with employee expectations and economic realities.
