ATLANTA, Nov. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Randstad US
today announced the findings of a recent survey exploring American
workers' attitudes and preferences about the holiday season in the
workplace. It revealed that, for some, the holidays truly are the
most wonderful time of the year. For others, the season is fraught
with tricky questions, like "Should I give my boss a gift?" or
"Just how much small talk do I have to make with Bob from
accounting at the company party?"
When asked to identify what they loved most about holidays in
the workplace, 70 percent of workers said "time off" topped their
list, while 34 percent look forward to getting a bonus. Meanwhile,
familiar workplace holiday traditions like cookie swaps (11
percent) and gift exchanges (nine percent) were lower priority. But
"holiday spirit in the workplace" (54 percent) and "happier/more
generous co-workers" (41 percent) ranked high, and nearly 75
percent of respondents said it was important to them that their
companies participate in holiday philanthropic initiatives like
food drives or other charitable donations.
The data suggests what workers value most about the holidays in
the workplace is largely about relationships, and that
opportunities to connect with colleagues and their communities are
more meaningful and therefore more appreciated than structured
celebrations.
holiday office parties.
The survey revealed most
employees are neutral about holiday parties, but parties aren't
their holiday gift of choice.
- 90 percent of employees say they would prefer to get a bonus or
extra vacation days than have a holiday party.
- 62 percent of respondents agree they feel obligated to attend
their employer's holiday party, but younger employees feel more
pressure to attend (74 percent of 18-24-year-olds and 69 percent of
25-34-year-olds compared with 51 percent of 65+ year-olds).
- 77 percent say their company is sensitive to diversity and
inclusion and considers different religious beliefs and cultures
when planning holiday celebrations.
'tis the season to be giving.
Employees are big on
company philanthropic initiatives, but when it comes to their
colleagues, they're less likely to get in the giving
spirit.
- Younger generations are generous — 47 percent of
18-24-year-olds and 25-34-year-olds agree their companies should
participate in holiday charitable endeavors, compared to just 31
percent of 50-64-year-olds.
-
- 28 percent of respondents say they feel obligated to buy their
boss a holiday gift, while 61 percent say they do not give out
holiday gifts in the workplace.
- Half of respondents (50 percent) admit to holiday shopping
online while on the clock, but it's more prevalent among younger
workers (65 percent of 18-24-year-olds compared with 42 percent of
50-64-year-olds).
- 34 percent of employees say their company provides a year-end
bonus to all employees.
time off.
For most employees, the holidays mean
taking time off to spend with family and friends, but the survey
revealed work is still on their minds, whether they're checking
email or planning their next career move.
- 62 percent of employees plan to take vacation during the
holiday season, but 52 percent say their company gives no
additional time off around the holidays.
- 63 percent of workers say they still check email when on
vacation and 31 percent say they check in with the office because
they feel it makes them appear more diligent.
- 28 percent admit to using paid sick days instead of their
vacation time at the end of the year.
- Nearly a third admit to job searching or exploring during the
holidays since it's usually less hectic this time of year.
For more findings from the survey, please visit four ways to
improve employee engagement this holiday season.
Survey Methodology
Research findings are based on an
OmniPulse survey fielded by national polling firm Research Now on
behalf of Randstad US. The survey was fielded between from
October 30th, 2017 and November 3rd, 2017. It included 1,232 respondents
over the age of 18 and a nationally representative sample balanced
on age, gender and region.
About Randstad
Randstad North America is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Randstad Holding nv, a € 20.7 billion global
provider of HR services. Through its unique approach of delivering
HR innovation with human interaction at the center, Randstad
secures and manages a workforce of more than 100,000 people for
thousands of clients each week. As a trusted partner in the
post-digital world of talent, Randstad advances the careers and
business success of candidates and clients through a combination of
the best of high-tech and high-touch processes.
Employing over 6,500 recruiting experts through approximately
1,100 offices and client-dedicated locations, Randstad North
America provides outsourcing, staffing, consulting and workforce
solutions within the areas of engineering, finance and accounting,
healthcare, human resources, IT, legal, life sciences,
manufacturing and logistics, office and administration and sales
and marketing. Learn more at www.randstadusa.com.
View original content with
multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/what-do-american-employees-really-want-for-the-holidays-hint-not-a-cookie-swap-300557623.html
SOURCE Randstad US