Adding to this momentum, the holiday season sparks renewed creativity among UK workers, with 44% reporting a boost in inspiration. From counting down the moments to this year’s Christmas adverts to strolling through festive markets or attending workplace celebrations, the UK’s seasonal traditions are fuelling fresh thinking. Of those reporting an inspiration boost, 17% describe experiencing bold creative breakthroughs, while 28% feel moderately inspired, balancing fresh thinking with approaching deadlines.

Younger workers are driving productivity home for Christmas, with 69% of Gen Z and 61% of Millennials reporting increased output, compared to 47% of Gen X and 36% of Baby Boomers. Creativity also varies by generation – a festive spark inspires 60% of Gen Z, dropping to 38% of Gen X and just 22% of Baby Boomers. While younger generations channel the season’s energy into focus and ambition, older workers embrace a more balanced approach, blending work with personal commitments.

Digital holiday helpers

The majority of UK workers (82%) are using technology and automation tools – such as scheduling apps, project management software, and automated reminders – to help them navigate the demands of the season. And it’s paying off, with 70% saying these tools have a positive impact on their work habits.

For 26% of UK employees, these tools help get more work done in less time, boosting overall productivity when it’s needed most. Meanwhile, nearly a quarter (24%) rely on them to stay organised amid the festive flurry, and 20% appreciate the stress relief they offer during a high-pressure period.

Technology plays a key role in driving generational differences, with 93% of Gen Z employees using tools like scheduling apps and project management software during the holidays – freeing up time for creative and meaningful work. In comparison, only 63% of Baby Boomers use these tools.

‘Tis the season for balance

UK workers are maintaining productivity while prioritising work-life balance this holiday season. Many are mastering the art of ‘festive flexing’ – using flexible schedules to manage work alongside seasonal activities. Nearly two-thirds (64%) feel encouraged to disconnect from work during the holidays, with 38% fully stepping away and 26% staying partially connected to cross off essential tasks only. 

Resetting for 2025

Once the holiday season winds down, many UK workers (76%) will embrace the ‘new year, new me’ mindset, turning their focus to opportunities for the year ahead and beyond. For some individuals, it’s a time to think big, leveraging the fresh start to motivate significant change. 23% take a bold approach, using the new year to set ambitious professional and personal goals.

26% of UK workers opt for smaller, realistic adjustments, focusing on achievable goals that feel manageable in the short term. Another 26% take a more reflective approach, using the new year to consider their priorities and make gradual changes over time rather than an immediate overhaul.

The “New Year, New Me” mindset presents another generational divide. While 90% of Gen Z and 82% of Millennials embrace January as a chance to set fresh goals and ambitious plans, only 57% of Baby Boomers follow suit. For many younger workers, the new year is a launchpad for what’s next.

Pierre Berlin, General Manager of EMEA at monday.com, comments: “UK workers are redefining what productivity looks like during the festive season. The idea of a year-end slowdown no longer holds up – employees are staying focused, creative, and motivated to finish the year on a high. Younger generations, in particular, are finding ways to work smarter, not harder, by leaning into technology and automation. By streamlining tasks and boosting efficiency, these tools help workers manage the demands of the season while keeping business momentum strong through to the year’s end – without compromising balance.

“With Labour’s ‘Plan to Make Work Pay’ sparking debates about how to make work more meaningful and rewarding, these findings show how UK employees are already adapting. This festive season is all about workers taking control and finding new ways to make work work for them.”

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