1.2m Britons find unexpected joy in working Christmas Day

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 18:45 · Archive

About 1.2 million people worked on Christmas Day in 2025, with a new survey revealing unexpected rewards beyond pay.

About 1.2 million people worked on Christmas Day in 2025, according to Office for National Statistics data, a slight increase from 1.1 million in 2018. A survey of 1,000 adults who have worked Christmas shifts commissioned by Greene King found multiple unexpected benefits beyond financial compensation.

Twenty-seven per cent of workers valued avoiding the stress of cooking Christmas dinner and tidying up afterwards. Others appreciated quieter commutes and having space away from family dynamics. For 37 per cent, the primary appeal was making Christmas special for someone else, whilst 25 per cent enjoyed contributing to their community. Among healthcare workers specifically, 45 per cent treasured helping make the day feel significant for those unable to celebrate with loved ones.

The survey, conducted by OnePoll, found the average festive worker is now on their fourth consecutive Christmas, with 21 per cent having completed ten or more shifts throughout their career. Many workers received recognition for their efforts, with 30 per cent reporting it was meaningful to witness someone's spirits lift as a result of their actions. Workers have been given cards (28 per cent), gifts (25 per cent) or food tokens of appreciation (33 per cent) on Christmas Day.

Greene King offers its second annual Big Christmas Shift programme, providing free meals to workers from 2 to 5 December. Workers could sign up or be nominated by loved ones until 16 November.

How it is being reported

• Eight unexpected joys of working on Christmas Day revealed in new surveyThe eight unexpected joys of working on Christmas Day have been revealed – and they’re not all about the money.New York Post · 3 Nov, 18:24
• 8 perks of working Christmas Day as 1.2 million Brits took on festive shift last yearWhile many people dread working on Christmas Day, a new survey has highlighted several unexpected perks of taking on the festive shiftThe Mirror · 3 Nov, 16:00

In this story: Greene King · Office for National Statistics · OnePoll

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