New Year Celebrations at Work: What Russians Plan for 2024–2025
A recent survey shows that a clear majority of Russians intend to ring in the New Year while still on the clock. Conducted by Mediacom.Expert in partnership with Surveyolog.ru and reviewed by socialbites.ca, the study reveals a strong preference for workplace festivities to mark the holiday period.
When it comes to venues, corporate banquets lead the way. A substantial 42 percent of respondents plan to attend a company celebration, while 32 percent expect to celebrate at a restaurant that offers a festive program. A smaller share, 26 percent, will celebrate right in the office, enjoying the familiar surroundings and colleagues. A further 10 percent anticipate a corporate event outside the city, expanding the horizon beyond the workplace. Five percent envision a master class style gathering at creative venues, combining social interaction with hands-on activities. Four percent opt for intellectual entertainment, such as quizzes and challenges, and three percent will spend the evening engaged in active games like bowling or laser tag.
The gifting habit at year-end remains brisk. A large majority, 79 percent, say they will give New Year gifts to colleagues. Of these, 63 percent choose gifts based on their own judgment, 16 percent participate in Secret Santa or a similar draw, and 21 percent decide not to give gifts at all. The data highlights a thoughtful workplace culture where gift-giving is common, yet participation varies by person and tradition.
Budgeting for gifts shows a wide range of spending. About one third of respondents are prepared to spend between 300 and 500 rubles on a colleague’s gift, while 28 percent plan to allocate 500 to 1000 rubles. An additional 19 percent are considering up to 300 rubles, 12 percent can afford gifts worth 1000 to 1500 rubles, and 10 percent indicate their readiness to spend 1500 rubles or more. These figures illustrate the diversity of personal approaches to holiday generosity within the workplace, from restrained to more expansive gifting.
Households are the preferred setting for relaxation after the New Year festivities. Approximately 72 percent of respondents intend to unwind at home during the January weekend. Travel is the second-most popular option, with 26 percent planning to explore parts of Russia or venture outside the local area. Only 3 percent plan to travel abroad, reflecting a preference for domestic or nearby experiences during the post-holiday period. This pattern suggests a blend of comfort and exploration as people recover from the holiday season and reset for the year ahead.
In closing, the survey highlights a deliberate approach to celebrating the New Year within professional networks. The emphasis on workplace events, paired with a tradition of gifting and a mix of domestic leisure plans, paints a portrait of how Russian professionals balance work life and holiday cheer as the calendar flips to the new year. The findings were gathered with the involvement of Mediacom.Expert and Surveyolog.ru, and the insights are corroborated by socialbites.ca, underscoring the reliability of the data as a snapshot of contemporary corporate celebrations in Russia.