According to a study by Konzerta, Panama's leading employment portal, 86% of workers consider the December thirteenth-month payment the most anticipated and useful of the year. Unlike in 2024, this year 41% of Panamanians say they will use the December thirteenth month for Christmas shopping; 21% to pay debts; 12% will save it; 11% will invest it; and the remaining 15% will use it in other ways. In fact, 80% of Panamanians indicate that the thirteenth month helps alleviate financial pressure in high-expense months like December. 'The Thirteenth Month study shows the importance that Panamanians place on this part of their salary,' says Jeff Alejandro Morales, Marketing Manager at Konzerta. In 2024, 76% mentioned feeling more motivated upon receiving this payment, compared to 24% who did not. Additionally, 77% of workers say they are more productive when this payment approaches, while the remaining 23% say the proximity of this payment has no impact on their productivity. 4 in 10 Panamanians use the December thirteenth month for Christmas shopping. In 2024, 37% of candidates mentioned using the thirteenth month to pay off debts. However, 9% of candidates say the April thirteenth month is most useful to them, while 5% indicate that the August thirteenth month is the most anticipated. 79% of workers say they feel more motivated and happier at work when this payment approaches, compared to 21% who say it does not influence their motivation. Productivity and work happiness in Panama increase as the thirteenth month approaches. • 79% of Panamanians state they feel more motivated and happier at work when the December payment approaches, which is considered key to alleviating financial pressure during the holiday season. • The main destination for the December thirteenth month is the purchase of Christmas gifts, accounting for 41% of its use, surpassing debt payment. This figure is 4 percentage points higher than last year's measurement, when 82% mentioned eagerly awaiting it.
