Over a Third of UK Workers Want More Christmas Time Off Survey Reveals

With the festive season right around the corner, over a third (37%) of UK workers want more time off around Christmas and New Year, according to a recent survey by Office Freedom. 

While the holidays are generally seen as a time to unwind, many workers are finding it hard to balance the demands of the season.

The survey revealed that Millennials seem to value time off less, with just 27% of Millennials (aged 25-34) wanting additional holiday days. In contrast, 36% of Gen Z and 44% of workers aged 45 and over are keen for an extended break during the festive season, showing that older workers are more likely to crave downtime. 

Interestingly, higher earners, particularly those in the £45,001-£65,000 salary range, are the most likely to want additional time off, with many valuing work-life balance over more pay. The findings suggest that as salaries rise, so does the demand for time away from the office.

Surprisingly, parents with children over 18 are also more likely to want extra time off, with 43% of them wanting more holiday days compared to just 24% of parents with younger children. This could signal that workers with older children may be less concerned with the hectic nature of the holiday period, preferring to take time off and avoid the pressures of juggling work and family life.

In addition, a significant 43% of UK workers are calling for more flexible working hours during the festive season, with many seeking early finishes on Christmas Eve. And with 60% of workers believing that businesses should close between Christmas and New Year without affecting holiday allowances, it’s clear that there’s a growing expectation for employers to prioritise downtime during this time of year.

Top 6 seasonal benefits (e.g. time off around Christmas) Brits would most value:

1. Flexible working hours during the holiday season (e.g. early finish on Christmas Eve) - 43%
2. Additional time off during winter holidays (e.g. Christmas, New Year) - 37%
3. Extended time off during summer holidays - 27%
4. Access to seasonal events or activities (e.g winter parties) - 19%
5. Childcare support during school breaks/holidays - 16%
6. Discounts for seasonal events or activities (e.g. ski passes, amusement parks) - 15%