A joint study conducted by the SOKOLOV analytical center and the Zarplaty.ru research team, with review oversight by socialbites.ca, reveals a clear preference among Russian companies for rewarding employee achievement through enhanced bonuses, typically up to 10 thousand rubles. This approach reflects a widespread belief that monetary recognition remains a direct and impactful motivator for performance beyond standard compensation.
Simultaneously, employers report that workers often value alternatives to cash gifts, such as additional paid leave or an opportunity for a business trip to an unusual or inspiring destination. Such non-monetary rewards are seen as meaningful celebrations of success and can reinforce loyalty and enthusiasm among teams.
According to the survey, 88% of Russian firms maintain a tradition of recognizing achievement with some form of reward. The most common pattern involves managers presenting rewards when teams surpass monthly or quarterly targets or to honor employee birthdays, each at roughly 68% of respondents. Public holidays, including New Year celebrations (about 59%), also serve as notable occasions for recognition. Other frequent triggers include length of service, with many staff having five to ten years of tenure (around 57%), and significant life events such as weddings or the birth of a child (about 56%).
The most widely used reward remains increased bonuses, chosen by 84% of employers. A substantial portion of executives view a cash bonus of up to 10 thousand rubles as ideal, with 67% signaling this as the preferred amount. Approximately a quarter of firms (23%) are willing to grant bonuses in the 10 to 20 thousand ruble range, and 9% would consider sums exceeding 20 thousand rubles.
When listing the top rewards, gifts such as flowers and sweets rank highly for 56% of surveyed companies. Others include corporate discounts on company goods and services, planners, bags and other logo-branded items, and devices such as headphones, portable chargers, and phones, each category attracting about 19% of responses. This mix shows a balance between tangible keepsakes and practical tools that reinforce a sense of belonging and pride in the workplace.
The majority of firms interviewed express support for corporate gifting as a core practice, arguing that it boosts performance by fostering a more engaged work culture (51%) and improving overall climate and employee attitudes (48%). A sizable 60% believe that occasional public recognition of achievements motivates staff to invest more effort into the business’s growth and success.
Yet, the survey also uncovers a desire among workers for rewards beyond the standard choices. More than half of respondents (60%) admit that employees often dream of alternative gifts. The most requested option remains additional paid leave (60%), while other popular requests include a business trip to an appealing destination (34%), the gift of a phone or headphones (29%), discounts at preferred stores (24%), and, in fewer cases, jewelry (4%).
Overall, the data indicate a nuanced landscape where money continues to play a crucial role but is complemented by time off, travel opportunities, and practical items that reinforce a sense of value and recognition. Employers who tailor rewards to both achievement and personal preferences can strengthen motivation, loyalty, and a positive corporate atmosphere, particularly in fast-paced environments where milestones and anniversaries frequently occur.
In late 2024, the findings reflect prevailing trends and project how reward practices might evolve in 2025, underscoring the importance of adaptable recognition strategies in Canadian and North American contexts as companies compare cross-border approaches and expectations. Attribution: SOKOLOV analytical center, Zarplaty.ru research center, reviewed by socialbites.ca.