What we workers want most for the holidays this year is connection and appreciation, according to a new survey. While 55% of workers say they already feel more appreciated during the holiday season than any other time of the year, they also have some specific ideas about the best ways to show appreciation on the job.
The poll of 2-thousand U.S. employees reveals:
- Nearly three-quarters (72%) say being connected to their company’s culture is important to them.
- For 48%, it’s their coworkers that make a company’s culture so special, more than the leadership (38%) or shared common values (33%).
- “Face to face” communication is the most effective way to build positive relationships with coworkers, according to 63% of respondents.
- To build on that connection with colleagues, 65% of those surveyed say they’ll most likely attend their workplace’s holiday party this year.
- Overall, 38% think their workplace has an “extremely” good work culture that nurtures feelings of belonging.
So, what makes people feel most appreciated at work?
- Personal thank you’s from their direct boss (48%)
- Being able to easily communicate with their coworkers and boss (46%)
- Being appreciated by their peers, customers, or the public (41%)
- Being paid a living wage or being given regular raises (39%)
- Having a flexible work schedule (35%)
- Respect for their time outside of working hours (35%)
- Being empowered to be more autonomous (18%)
- Having a wellness program offered through my workplace (17%)
- Company-wide and/or team-wide shoutouts (15%)
- Winning an internal award (MVP, employee of the month, etc.) (13%)
Source: SWNS Digital