UK 
United States
Each time the festive season rocks around, it isn’t uncommon for employers and HR departments to give thanks to staff members and reward them in some way.
Whether this is with a shopping voucher, a Christmas bonus, a hamper filled to the brim with sweet treats and goodies, or a simple ‘thank you’ card for their hard efforts over the course of the year, employers often like to show their appreciation to staff. Several employers, including the Founder of St. John Properties, have previously been known to splash the cash when it comes to Christmas bonuses and festive rewards.
Last year, for example, the 198-strong workforce received a collective £7.5million bonus that was announced at the firm’s annual Xmas knees-up. Yet, due to the financial uncertainty that 2020 has bought about in light of the coronavirus crisis, it is possible that some employers will be tightening their purse strings or simply won't have the budget, leaving some staff wondering if they will receive any form of reward at all this Christmas.
This is supported by statistics from an employee survey which found that many staff members don’t expect a festive reward from their employer this year. Research from gift card provider Blackhawk Network found that more than half (58%) of UK employees don’t think they will receive a Christmas reward from their employer in 2020.
