CHRISTMAS may be the perfect time for gift giving, however when it comes to the workplace many bosses in the information and communications industry aren’t rewarding or recognising their employees with a token gift, according to new research.

A study of 1,000 UK workers published in the Most Generous Time of the Year Study by Perkbox, the UK’s fastest growing employee benefits platform, revealed that 23% of IT workers haven’t received any gift from their boss or manager at Christmas.

Of those who do get a token gift from their boss at Christmas, more than 1 in 3 (38%) said they received a team meal out.

This was followed by more traditional gifts with 29% receiving a drink related gift such as a bottle of wine or alcohol. 

Interestingly for bosses, when IT workers were asked what they would like to get from their boss at Christmas, monetary gifts were favoured – 35% revealed they would like a money-based bonus such as cash, a bonus payment in their salary or a gift card/voucher.

Meanwhile, a similar number (21%) said they would like to receive a pay rise from their boss at Christmas.

Chieu Cao, CMO & Co-Founder at Perkbox, said: “It is perhaps unsurprising to see that there is a disconnect between what employers give and what employees actually want to receive from their boss at Christmas. However, what is also interesting is the number of employees within the information and communications industry who don’t receive anything from management at all. Employers are clearly missing an opportunity to engage their staff - when they fail to reward and recognise them at Christmas. It’s a pity, as there are so many easy ways for employers to show their appreciation, and at a relatively small cost to the business. The positive impact of rewarding and recognising at Christmas would be increased productivity, and improved employee motivation and satisfaction, all year round. 

Cao continues: “In fact, we were not at all surprised to see the popularity of a money-based bonus such as cash, a bonus payment or a gift card among IT workers. Indeed, the Perkbox scheme understands that employees want access to personalised gift vouchers, discounts and freebies that can make their paycheques go further. With Christmas being an expensive time of year, the monetary savings or 'perks' passed on to employees will be greatly appreciated. 

These can offer choice, convenience and flexibility for both the business and the employee. By recognising what staff would really like to receive at Christmas, employers can show their staff how valued they are within the company and thank them for their efforts throughout the year.”

To review the what employee benefits staff really want, not only at Christmas but all year round, check out Perkbox's Most Generous Time of the Year Study here.