Office Scrooges kill off Christmas parties and perks as Brits work through festive period

It may well be the season to be jolly, but British workers have little to feel festive about, with research showing that Christmas perks are rapidly disappearing.

According to a survey from brokerage and advisory firm Willis Towers Watson, only 24% of the companies quizzed plan to throw Christmas parties for their employees, with only 8% enjoying a festive drink in the office.

Just 13% of those who took part in the survey said they had received presents from employers or fellow employees, while only 15% of businesses will hand out Christmas bonuses this year.

However, Tom Hellier, director at Willis Towers Watson, stressed the shift in habit was not to be seen as companies cancelling Christmas,

"Many companies may be steering away from lavish Christmas parties," he said.

"A large number are changing their approach favouring charitable activities such as Christmas jumper day, which brings a sense of festive spirit into the workplace, allows everyone to take part, and gives back to their community."

Despite Christmas being less than a week away, Britons are not putting their feet up just yet, with six out of 10 workers surveyed expecting to sustain productivity throughout the festive period. For some, Christmas is unlikely to bring any rest at all, given 31% of the respondents said they will work until 24 December, while 18% plan to be in the office throughout the Christmas period.

"The research's overall message is that employees are not taking the foot off the pedal this Christmas, with most remaining productive and many working through the festive period," Hellier added.

"This perhaps reflects the nature of work in the UK, changing working patterns and an increase in the number of companies with a global footprint."

The research also showed 31% would appreciate incentives at work, such as a Christmas bonus scheme, vouchers or presents and over a 28% would appreciate extra days off.

"It may not always be practical or affordable to give employees time off, but our research clearly shows that a flexible approach, allowing people to start earlier and finish later or vice versa, can really make a big difference at this time of year," said Hellier.

"Even a small gesture such as mince pies, can go a long way in supporting your company's morale. After all no employer should be the Grinch at Christmas!"