Baah… HR’umbug!

Survey reveals HR practitioners are the embodiment of old Ebeneezer Scrooge at Christmas time. A fifth of HR professionals say they “detest Christmas shopping” and go for the easy option and buy vouchers or give cash… shame on you.

When it comes to Christmas shopping, it’s been revealed that HR professionals hate the experience far more than any other profession. The survey by Viking Direct shows farmers and the armed forces are close behind, whereas scientists and travel agents are the least likely to dodge a trip round the shops in search of festive gifts!

Interestingly, the study also showed teachers are the biggest penny-pinchers, that teenagers hate the whole experience or that people in sales and marketing are the most thoughtful and generous! The views of people in the UK and Ireland to find out what type of shopper we all are, we are either dodgers (who dodge buying presents and go for vouchers), pinchers (penny-pinchers), Planners (never go shopping without a list) or surprise shoppers who go that extra mile with gifts.

Spokesperson, Emma Kenny said: “We were keen to find out how people buy and the thought process people go through to make that buying decision – especially with Christmas around the corner. We worked together to come up with ten fun, short questions which people could answer and immediately find out what type of shopper they are. We all love to delve into our characters and our buying habits show a great deal about our personalities. Disposable income does play a part in our gift choices, but what this survey ultimately shows is that some people are just tight and don’t like splashing the cash – no matter how much they earn!”

Matt Smallwright who works in HR took the test and came out as a dodger; “I have to admit the personality test rings true with me as I came out as a dodger and I do hate shopping. I can just about bring myself to shop online, but I can’t stand trawling round the shops, there are so many better things to do!”

Top tips for surviving Christmas shopping
Research on-line – Take a few hours to go on line and check out what is actually available for your nearest and dearest; this may seem like a time consuming endeavour but it will save you precious hours and energy in the long run

Match your mood! If you feel stressed and/or unhappy, don’t go shopping for gifts, you will end up feeling worse and will most likely have wasted a day. Make sure you feel positive and optimistic and these will reflect in the excellent choices you make.

Remember, a gift should feel like a gift, don’t impulse buy something simply because it appears to be a bargain, your present reflects the worth you put on the relationship

Less can be more! It’s not how much you spend, it’s the thought you spend on the present you are providing that really counts.

If you don’t want to buy, then don’t!!! If you have a limited budget, why not buy presents for those who truly matter to you, instead of stretching yourself

Keep a sense of humour! Buying and giving presents should make you feel great! 

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