Most employees not expecting a Christmas bonus this year, research finds

62% of employees said they were not expecting a Christmas bonus at all, according to research from Epassi UK. 
1 min read

Fewer than one in 10 (9%) employees were expecting a bigger Christmas bonus this year, research from Epassi UK found. 

62% of employees said they were not expecting a Christmas bonus at all.

Seven in 10 (68%) employees said the prospect of a bonus kept them motivated and boosted business performance. 

52% of those expecting a bonus said it provided a lifeline due to high living costs, while 40% said they could not afford Christmas without it.

Four in 10 (43%) employees said they thought this was the last year they would receive a bonus. 

There was strong demand for ongoing financial support, with 59% of employees expecting a bonus saying they would prefer year-round support instead. 

61% of those getting a bonus said they would rather have a better benefits package.

59% of employees said money spent on a Christmas party could be better used for financial support.

Recent findings from Zest found that 62% of employees saw company benefits as the most important thing when deciding where to work, but over half (55%) said their workplace benefits package was inadequate.

Matt Russell, CEO at Epassi UK and Zest, said: “Although many employees are resigned to not receiving a bonus from their employer, there is strong demand for financial support throughout the year to help them with rising living costs. 

“Ongoing financial support delivered through benefits packages is a cost-effective approach for employers to reward staff, keeping them motivated which in turn boosts talent retention and productivity.”

Marvin Onumonu

Marvin Onumonu is a Reporter for Workplace Journal and The Intermediary

Previous Story

New VAWG strategy to expand specialist policing workforce

Next Story

The 2026 work reset: flatter teams, emotional salaries and the rise of ‘LinkedIn envy’

Latest from Compensation & Benefits

Don't Miss