Among all the “endings” in life, the one that excites us the most is the end of the year. With less than a month remaining in the year, SAMSUNG SDI asked employees via our communication channels* about the kind of year-end they wish to spend. We would like to share the results of the survey, in which about 820 global employees (653 people from Korea, 84 people from overseas) participated, answering an average of four questions each.

* SAMSUNG SDI offers various information and insights via SDI talk (Korea) and Global SDI talk (overseas)

Most employees answered, “I want to spend time at year-end with my family”

[Employees survey on whom they want to spend the most time with]

When planning for the year-end, the first step is to think about who you’d like to spend time with. When asked whom they want to spend the most time with at year-end, about 73% (667 respondents) of employees answered family. One employee shared, “During times like these, going to a ski resort with family allows us to enjoy the refreshing outdoors and have meaningful conversations. Year-end is a time to feel grateful and appreciate the importance of family.”

A significant number of employees also expressed a desire for a quiet year-end to reflect on the past year. About 12% (111 respondents) said they prefer to spend time alone. One respondent explained, “I usually take this time to calmly reflect on the past year and think about what I want to do in the coming year,” sharing their personal year-end routine.

Meanwhile, 12% (104 respondents) said they’d like to meet with friends, and about 3% (29 respondents) answered that they want to spend time with new people. 

The most desired year-end activities: Rest and Travel top the list

[Employee survey on what do you most want to do at the end of the year]

In response to the question, “What do you most want to do at the end of the year?” the majority of employees expressed a desire to spend time on healing and relax. Specifically, about 48% (397 respondents) chose rest, while 31% (264 respondents) said they wanted to travel. One employee shared, “In December, I decide on travel destinations for the following year. Using the year-end to plan ahead allows me to book cheaper flights and schedule my vacation plans of the next year in advance”.

Also, 13% (104 respondents) said they wanted to enjoy cultural life such as concerts or exhibitions, while 8% (65 respondents) expressed a desire to attend year-end gatherings with loved ones, such as friends, acquaintances, or family. 

Most favorite moments of the year: Quality Time with Loved Ones, New Experiences and Challenges

[Employees survey on what was your most memorable moments of the year]

What moments do SAMSUNG SDI employees cherish the most? When asked about their most memorable moments of the past year, the top response, chosen by 38% (291 respondents), was spending quality time with close friends. This was followed by moments of new experiences and challenges at 31% (235 respondents) and personal growth and development at 23% (177 respondents). Meanwhile, 8% (63 respondents) cited unexpected luck as their most memorable moment. 

Interestingly, the responses revealed differences between employees in Korea and overseas. Among Korean employees, quality time spent with close friends was the most common answer, chosen by 43% (262 respondents). In contrast, among overseas employees, personal growth and development ranked highest, with 37% (56 respondents) selecting this option. One overseas employee mentioned on this, saying, “2024 was a year of facing and overcoming challenges. That’s why it stands out even more in my memory.” 

More than 1 in 3 employees say, “I’ll exercise in the New Year”

[Employees survey on their New Year’s resolutions]

In response to the question, “What’s your New Year’s resolution?” the most common answer was exercise, chosen by approximately 36% (277 respondents). This was followed by 27% (213 respondents) who said they plan to start studying, such as learning a second language or obtaining a professional certification. One employee shared his/her New Year’s resolution, “Every December, I routinely evaluate the new language I’ve studied over the year. In 2024, I focused on Hindi, and in 2025, I’ll challenge myself with another new language.”

A variety of other resolutions were also mentioned. About 33% (258 respondents) picked savings and personal finance, while 4% (29 respondents) stated they are determined to quit drinking and smoking in the New Year.

“Warmth” is the word that best fits year-end. The warmth of the year-end season, capable of making us forget even winter’s chill, feels like a gift to ourselves for working hard throughout the year. We hope you, too, spend a warm and meaningful year-end with your loved ones.