From sudden working-from-home arrangements to reactive policies and programs amid the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the public service has been challenged in ways it hasn't before.

Even Prime Minister Scott Morrison remarked in parliament's final day of sitting it was the service's "finest year".

"They have had, I believe, their finest year during the course of this COVID-19 pandemic," Mr Morrison told the House of Representatives in a final address.

"Never before, and certainly in my experience in this place, and I think for many generations, have we called upon our Australian Public Service to do more in the interest of Australians than we have in this past year."

But the good work goes without reward.

All 14 federal departments have confirmed no "end of year" gifts or rewards would be given and many Christmas or holiday celebrations were cancelled or relegated to individual teams.

While the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources had to cancel an agency-wide party due to COVID-19, a spokesperson said team virtual events, such as trivia nights and home office decoration competitions, were going ahead in absence of a team-wide celebration.

For Health, which has arguably been at the forefront of the pandemic response, end-of-year festivities were acknowledged as being important but would have to be done in a COVID-safe manner.

"The Department of Health acknowledges staff getting together or otherwise connecting for end of year celebrations is an important part of recognising our achievements during what has been a very challenging year," a spokesperson said.

Elsewhere, the festivities seemed minimal and some agency staff have been encouraged to take on extra leave to recharge after the difficult year.

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Like many other roles, the hard work of the public service can be a thankless task - an expectation to celebrate victories quietly and face criticism front on.

But with the impressive joint effort of the sector, Australia has weathered the horrific impacts of COVID-19 relatively well when compared internationally. An effort that can be partly contributed to an agile public workforce.

Certainly headlines of public servants receiving legs of ham or lobsters would enrage those who've faced a dire year but the work the public service should be commended in some way.

Instead, public servants were slapped with a six-month pay rise freeze and a wage rise cap shakeup, which could spell slower growth in the years to come.

Whether by bonuses, holiday parties or a simple "thank you" card, 2020 is not the year to get caught up in our usual Tall Poppy Syndrome tendencies.

Maybe that will happen next year after another busy 12 months passes.