The holiday season is quickly approaching, and many companies are deciding how they’ll show appreciation to their employees this year. In a recent poll, we asked Movin’ On Up readers how they wish their employers, or future employers, showed appreciation this time of year.
According to the results, 29% of respondents would most appreciate a cash bonus, while 23% reported pay raises would be better incentives. Aside from monetary gifts like gift cards (6%), 16% of respondents picked days off or shortened holiday hours as their top choice.
Holiday parties received 6% of the vote, followed by non-monetary gift items at 1%. An additional 15% of respondents reported that a combination of items would be best received.
Participants also selected “Other” and respond with their own thoughts, including:
- “Work-life balance”
- “Incentive vacation time for employees with no sick days”
- “Well-developed systems”
- “Better benefits”
- “Company profit sharing”
- “A turkey or ham at Christmas to take home”
An overwhelming majority of people requested one thing in particular – appreciation. Responses included:
- “Praise and acknowledgement”
- “Just to hear someone from management say, ‘Thank you for doing a great job’”
- “Respect”
- “A thank you would go a long way”
- “I’ve never heard a thank you”
- “Saying thank you or I appreciate you”
- “Email or verbal appreciation on a regular basis”
- “Recognition”
These results are not far from last year’s, which revealed that 27% of respondents would most appreciate a cash bonus, followed by 13% who selected pay raises, and 9% who chose days off. Last year’s results also revealed that appreciation would go a long way with today’s workforce. In 2014, 31% of those who selected the “Other” option wrote that they wanted appreciation from their supervisors. This year, that number rose to 42%.
The results of the Movin’ On Up poll reveal some of the most powerful gifts are the easiest to give. From a turkey at Christmas to a thank-you email, sincerity is the gift that keeps on giving this holiday season.
Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.