Almost all (96%) employee respondents would rather receive a cash bonus at Christmas than a party, according to research by Harris Poll on behalf of jobs website Career Builder.
The survey, which questioned 2,203 human resources professionals and 3,103 employees in the United States, also found that 63% of employer respondents plan to provide a Christmas party for their workforce, up from 59% in 2013 and 60% in 2012. However, just two in five members of staff are planning to attend.
Meanwhile, just under half (47%) of employer respondents are planning on giving their staff a bonus this year, and 11% plan to give a larger sum than last year.
The research also found:
- 21% of employee respondents plan to buy Christmas gifts for colleagues.
- 20% of employee respondents plan to buy a gift for their boss.
- Of staff who plan to buy a gift for their co-workers or boss, 76% expect to spend $25 (£15.89) or less on each present, 33% plan to spend $10 (£6.36) or less and 10% $5 (£5.18) or less.
- 40% of employer respondents plan to give gifts to staff, up from 35% in 2013.
- 42% will give charitable donations in employee’s names.
Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at Career Builder, said: ”For many employers, the holidays are a time to look back and celebrate all they have accomplished as an organisation over the past year.
”Parties, bonuses and gifts are a way to recognize employees for their accomplishments and set a positive tone as they go into the New Year.”