As the festive season unfolds, UK workers are defying traditional year-end slowdowns, with many reporting a surge in productivity and a renewed sense of creativity.
According to a survey conducted by monday.com, a multi-product platform that supports workplace efficiency, a significant majority of UK employees are staying motivated and focused, using the holiday period to finish the year strong and set their sights on new goals for 2025.
The survey conducted by monday.com, which interviewed 1,343 UK workers, reveals that 89% of employees are maintaining their productivity during the festive period.
- More than half (55%) of workers reported an increase in output, driven by impending year-end deadlines and a desire to finish the year on a high.
- One in four (25%) workers cited approaching deadlines as a key driver.
- 30% attributed their boost in productivity to the motivation of finishing the year strongly.
“We’ve seen a real shift in how UK workers are approaching the festive season,” says Pierre Berlin, General Manager of EMEA at monday.com. “The idea of a year-end slowdown is becoming a thing of the past. Workers are staying focused, creative, and motivated to close out the year on a strong note.”
44% of workers reporting a rise in creativity during the holidays
Alongside increased productivity, the holiday season has sparked a surge of creativity in the workforce, with 44% of workers reporting a boost in inspiration.
Whether it’s the excitement of Christmas adverts, the festive atmosphere at local markets, or workplace celebrations, the festive season is fuelling fresh thinking.
Of those who reported a boost in creativity, 17% noted bold creative breakthroughs, while 28% said they were moderately inspired, balancing new ideas with the need to meet deadlines.
“Festive traditions, whether personal or at work, are serving as catalysts for creative thinking,” Berlin adds. “Employees are tapping into this energy to spark fresh ideas while maintaining productivity.”
Generational differences in productivity and creativity
The survey also highlighted generational differences in how UK workers are responding to the holiday season. Younger generations, in particular, are driving productivity.
- 69% of Gen Z and 61% of Millennials reported increased output during the festive season, compared to just 47% of Gen X and 36% of Baby Boomers.
- Creativity also varies by generation, with 60% of Gen Z feeling inspired, compared to 38% of Gen X and just 22% of Baby Boomers.
“Younger workers are really embracing the festive season as a time to channel their energy into focus and ambition,” says Berlin. “In contrast, older generations tend to balance their work with personal commitments, often taking a more measured approach to the season.”
Technology and AI is a key productivity booster
The survey also found that 82% of UK workers are using technology and automation tools such as scheduling apps, project management software, and automated reminders to help them stay on top of their tasks during the holiday season.
A significant 70% of respondents reported that these tools have positively impacted their work habits.
For 26% of UK employees, these tools are helping them get more work done in less time, while 24% rely on technology to stay organised amidst the festive chaos.
Additionally, 20% appreciate the stress relief that these tools provide during a high-pressure period.
“There’s a clear generational divide when it comes to technology usage,” says Berlin. “93% of Gen Z workers use tools like scheduling apps and project management software, while only 63% of Baby Boomers are doing the same.
The younger generation is leveraging technology to work smarter, not harder, freeing up time for creative and meaningful work.”
More people starting to focus on work-life balance
Despite the uptick in productivity, UK workers are still prioritising work-life balance during the holiday season.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of workers feel encouraged to disconnect from work, with 38% stepping away entirely and 26% staying partially connected to handle essential tasks only.
This approach allows employees to maintain a healthy balance between their professional responsibilities and personal holiday commitments.
“We’re seeing workers embrace the concept of ‘festive flexing,’ using flexible schedules to manage both work and seasonal activities,” Berlin explains.
“This balance allows workers to maintain productivity while taking the time they need to recharge and enjoy the holidays.”
The ‘New Year, New Me’ Mindset
As the holiday season winds down, many UK workers are turning their attention to the year ahead. A significant 76% of employees are planning to embrace the “new year, new me” mentality, setting their sights on fresh goals for 2025 and beyond.
For some, this means aiming high, with 23% of workers planning to set ambitious professional and personal goals for the year ahead.
However, not all workers are taking a bold approach. 26% of respondents are opting for smaller, more realistic adjustments, while another 26% are adopting a reflective approach, focusing on priorities and making gradual changes over time.
This mindset is especially prevalent among younger generations, with 90% of Gen Z and 82% of Millennials planning to set new goals for 2025. In contrast, only 57% of Baby Boomers are adopting a similar approach.