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With the festive season on the horizon, many would assume that the majority of the workforce was beginning to slow down, embracing the summer vibe. However, many Aussie workers have instead adopted a “finishing the year strong” mindset.
New research from monday.com has revealed that a large number of Aussie workers are truly challenging the traditional summer slowdown with the holiday season right around the corner. The report highlighted five emerging trends that are occurring just before the summer holidays kick off.
Trend 1: Wrapping up projects, not presents – holiday productivity surge in Australia
The research stated that 52 per cent of Aussie workers have reported a boost in productivity instead of the usual slow decline, with 29 per cent stating that they are being “very productive as they focus on finishing the year strong”.
A further 34 per cent noted that productivity had remained steady, while 14 per cent noted that it had reduced. A majority put their motivation down to key deadlines.
Trend 2: ’Tis the season to be creative
According to the research, 46 per cent of Australian employees feel inspired during the festive season, sparking some creativity – with this trend resonating the most with younger generations. Gen Z (59 per cent) and Millennials (51 per cent) led the way in terms of getting that creative boost.
This period can also have an adverse effect, with around a fifth (19 per cent) of workers being focused on finishing tasks rather than being creative and 11 per cent feeling fatigued and just pushing through to reach the holiday break.
Trend 3. Australians disconnecting for holiday cheer
Many Aussies are aiming to find that optimal balance between productivity and work/life priorities this summer, with 59 per cent of respondents feeling encouraged to fully disconnect from work. According to the true data, 32 per cent are fully able to disconnect, while another 26 per cent are encouraged to disconnect but choose to remain slightly connected. Despite this theme of disconnecting, 16 per cent still reported not feeling encouraged to disconnect.
Trend 4. New year, new career goals for younger workers
The research claims that most Australian workers (74 per cent) will embrace the “new year, new me” mindset, turning their focus to opportunities for the year ahead and beyond. In terms of these opportunities, 24 per cent will use the new year as an opportunity to set goals for both work and personal life.
Twenty-eight per cent will focus on smaller, realistic changes rather than major resolutions, guiding their approach for the year, while 22 per cent believe the new year inspires some reflection but prefer to make changes throughout the year rather than all at once.
Trend 5: Tech helping workers to sleigh the pre-holiday to-do list
Finally, the research showed that the majority (71 per cent) of Australian workers use technology and automation tools to help them navigate the demands of the festive season. Twenty-six per cent use these tools to help them stay organised but don’t find they directly increase productivity.
Kace O'Neill
Kace O'Neill is a Graduate Journalist for HR Leader. Kace studied Media Communications and Maori studies at the University of Otago, he has a passion for sports and storytelling.
