Three quarters of British workers would rather their companies invested in their ongoing health and wellbeing over a Christmas party, a poll suggests.
The survey from Shine Workplace Wellbeing asked 312 workers if they would prefer their employer to spend £100 on the company Christmas party or on their health and wellbeing.
Three quarters (74%) chose wellbeing support (such as gym and sports memberships, yoga classes, in-office talks on mindfulness and mental health awareness, and free fruit in the office) over an all-expenses-paid Christmas party covering drinks, food, entertainment and transport.
Women were the biggest advocates of wellbeing support, with 80% of those surveyed saying they would choose it over a festive night out, versus 67% of men.
Although the party option was most popular in the 18 to 24 year-old demographic, it was still only chosen by 30% of respondents.
People working in education are the most likely to opt for wellbeing over partying (82%), while those working in construction preferred the Christmas party (57%) over wellbeing support.
Matthew Carlton, founder of Shine Workplace Wellbeing, said there is a real trend of workers wanting their employers to support their wellbeing in order to help them cope with the stresses of business and personal life.
“We are certainly not saying that Christmas parties should be scrapped. However, rather than relying on one major annual event to boost employee morale, businesses should think about how they could invest in ongoing initiatives that make employees feel appreciated and supported for a prolonged period,” he suggested.