Why Meaningful Employee Recognition Matters This Festive Season

While December is known for its festive cheer, it can also bring loneliness, financial pressure, seasonal depression, and end-of-year stress. Therefore, providing meaningful recognition to all within your workplace is especially vital at this time of year.

This difference in both experience and perception of the holiday period across your workforce is important to not only consider but also actively acknowledge. Making your people feel seen despite the hectic festivities doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be as simple as saying thank you.

Meaningful recognition can be the simplest and most impactful gift you give. Whether that’s a message of appreciation or taking a moment to check in; small gestures can make a big impact to wellbeing and morale.

Meaningful Recognition Has Real Impact

Fostering an appreciative workplace culture is not just the right thing to do, it has a measurable, positive impact on job satisfaction, engagement, and overall workplace happiness.

• 82% of employees agree that recognition for their contributions improves their engagement

• 63% wished that their colleagues told them “thank you” more

• 71% said that they would be less likely to leave their job if they were recognised more frequently¹

Why Recognition is Fundamental to Workplace Culture

Meaningful recognition boosts morale, wellbeing, and connection, especially during stressful times. The end of the year offers a valuable opportunity to express your gratitude for employees’ dedication throughout 2025.  

The average full-time employee in the UK spends more than two-thirds of the days in their year at work. Recognising your people’s commitment and dedication to your organisation shows them that you both see and value their commitment. Simple, meaningful recognition in the form of an Ecard, a nomination, or a reward, can lift spirits and make a true difference to morale, wellbeing and connection.

Showing Support Throughout the Festive Season

The festive season can be an uplifting time, full of celebrations with loved ones. However, many people find this period difficult, whether they’re experiencing loneliness, grieving a loved one, managing seasonal low moods, or facing their own unique challenges.

This time of year, it’s vital to go beyond celebration and show awareness by acknowledging the difficulties some might face. Reminding your team of the wellbeing benefits available to them, alongside sharing resources such as mental health charities, including Samaritans and the Mental Health Foundation, helps ensure employees are equipped with the tools and support they may need during what can be a challenging period.

Recognising the diversity across your workforce and how their personal challenges can shape their experience of the holiday period, shows that your organisation cares about their wellbeing on an individual level.

Meaningful recognition goes beyond saying “well done”; it says we see you, we appreciate you, your wellbeing matters, and we want to give back.  

As the year draws to a close, take this moment to reflect on what truly matters and build habits that will support you well into 2026 and beyond.

References

1. HR Future (2025). 26 Employee Recognition Statistics You Need to Know in 2025. Retrieved from https://www.hrfuture.net/strategy-operations/reward-benefits-recognition/26-employee-recognition-statistics-you-need-to-know-in-2025/