Corporate Holiday Gifts: Canadian Employees Say 'Tis the Season for Receiving

According to Randstad Canada's latest global Workmonitor survey, many Canadian employees expect to receive corporate holiday gifts from their employer at the end of the year.

TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Companies considering cutting corporate holiday gifts this year may want to think twice. Findings from Randstad's latest Global Workmonitor, surveying employees in 32 countries around the world, indicate that 41 per cent percent of Canadian workers report they would like a gift from their employer this holiday season.

According to survey results, over four out of ten (45%) Canadian employees normally receive a gift of their employer, which is similar to the number of Canadian workers that expect to receive one this year (41%). The globally consensus is slightly higher as 48 per cent of respondents from around the world reported receiving a Christmas gift or gift voucher from their employer at the end of the year and 52 per cent expect to receive a gift this year.

Interesting to note is that although it is not common practice in Argentina (54%) to receive a Christmas gift, 80 per cent of the employees expect to get one this year. The same applies to Chile (52% usually gets one vs. 82% expecting one this year), Hong Kong (65% vs. 88%) and Malaysia (47% vs. 71%).

Hanna Vineberg, Vice-President Central Ontario, Randstad Canada, says tokens of an organization's appreciation, even small ones, can have a big impact on employee morale and productivity. "This data shows a huge opportunity for employers to foster a loyal environment and maintain a productive workforce. Employees enjoy holiday rewards and feel even more appreciated and motivated when they receive them,"says Vineberg. "This is positive news for employers still struggling in the tough economy, because it reveals simple ways that they can keep employees loyal and thereby maintain a productive and competitive business," she says. 

The survey also looks ahead to workers' goals once the holidays pass.

When it comes to resolutions, 48 per cent of Canadians respondents say they always make New Year's resolutions while 39 per cent of Canadian respondents say they will make specific resolutions regarding their career in 2013.

Globally, 51 per cent of all employees say they always make New Year's resolutions while 44 per cent report they will make resolutions for 2013 specifically regarding their career. In Mexico (87%), India (81%) and Argentina (80%) it is most common to make New Year's resolutions. While in Denmark (16%), Sweden (14%) and Norway (24%) it is not a very common tradition.

"As employment confidence gradually improves, it's no surprise to see employees thinking about their futures," says Vineberg. "Career resolutions can open up a lot of opportunities. They are a good way of pinning down what you really think you should do about your job, your career, or your job search. Having career resolutions and goals are the best way to set yourself up for a successful professional life that is filled with motivation and fulfilment."

The Randstad Workmonitor: After the successful introduction of the Workmonitor in the Netherlands in 2003 and more recently in Germany, the survey now covers 32 countries around the world, encompassing Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas.

The Randstad Workmonitor is published four times a year, making both local and global trends in mobility regularly visible over time. The quantitative study is conducted via an online questionnaire among a population aged 18-65, working a minimum of 24 hours a week in a paid job (not self-employed). The minimal sample size is 400 interviews per country, using Survey Sampling International. Research for the third wave in 2012 was conducted from October 18 to November 6, 2012.

For the complete set of findings, including comments on differences in opinion by generation, gender and education, visit: http://www.randstad.com/press-room/research-reports.

About Randstad Canada: Randstad Canada is the Canadian leader for staffing, recruitment and HR Services. As the only fully integrated staffing company in the country, we understand the recruitment needs and demands of employers and job seekers across all levels and industries. Through our insightful knowledge of local markets, employment trends and global network of recruitment experts, we are shaping the Canadian world of work. Visit randstad.ca

SOURCE: RANDSTAD CANADA