UK employees remain productive during festive period

Research by monday.com shows UK employees maintain productivity during the festive season, leveraging technology and automation tools.

The study, which surveyed 1,343 UK workers, highlights that 89% remain productive over the holidays, with over half (55%) reporting increased output motivated by year-end deadlines (25%) and a desire to finish the year positively (30%).

Employees also report heightened creativity, with 44% experiencing a boost in inspiration from festive activities. This increase is particularly noted among younger employees, with 69% of Gen Z and 61% of Millennials noting increased productivity, compared to 47% of Gen X and 36% of Baby Boomers.

The research indicates that 82% of UK employees use technology and automation, such as scheduling apps and project management software, to handle holiday demands. For 70%, these tools improve work habits, with 26% stating it allows them to complete more work in less time.

Pierre Berlin, General Manager of EMEA at monday.com, stated, "UK workers are redefining what productivity looks like during the festive season. The idea of a year-end slowdown no longer holds up — employees are staying focused, creative, and motivated to finish the year on a high. Younger generations, in particular, are finding ways to work smarter, not harder, by leaning into technology and automation. By streamlining tasks and boosting efficiency, these tools help workers manage the demands of the season while keeping business momentum strong through to the year's end — without compromising balance."

As 24% of employees use these tools to stay organised and 20% praise them for stress relief, generational differences in technology adoption are apparent. While 93% of Gen Z workers utilise digital tools, only 63% of Baby Boomers do the same.

Despite the enhanced productivity, 64% of UK workers feel empowered to disconnect from work during the holidays, with 38% taking a complete break and 26% managing essential tasks only.

Looking towards 2025, 76% of workers are planning to reassess their career goals, with 23% setting ambitious personal and professional objectives and 26% focusing on smaller, realistic targets.

Berlin added, "With Labour's 'Plan to Make Work Pay' sparking debates about how to make work more meaningful and rewarding, these findings show how UK employees are already adapting. This festive season is all about workers taking control and finding new ways to make work work for them."

The 'New Year, New Me' mindset varies generationally, with 90% of Gen Z and 82% of Millennials embracing this period to set new goals, compared to 57% of Baby Boomers.

The survey, carried out by Vitreous World, was conducted from November 12 to November 14 as part of a wider study covering the UK, US, and Australia.