Christmas spirit sparkles in small firms
Smaller companies are more likely to celebrate the festive season, research shows.
If you work in an organization employing up to 49 staff, chances are that Christmas will be more enjoyable for you.
Larger companies lose out
According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development's (CIPD) Annual Reward Management survey 2008, completed by 603 UK organizations, over 80% of companies with 49 or fewer staff will provide a Christmas party this year. Some 17% of organizations will give a gift such as a hamper or voucher.
This is generous compared to the slightly Scrooge-like offerings of companies employing 5,000 staff, of which only 50% will organize a party and 15% will present a gift.
Parties and gifts provide a useful barometer as to how well an organization and the economy is doing.
Private sector is more festive
But the survey shows that companies are becoming more festive. In the private sector, 84% will provide a party or lunch. This is compared to 77% in the manufacturing sector.
At the bottom of the list are the public and voluntary sectors, both of which are least likely to throw a party for employees.
A seasonal morale booster
Charles Cotton, CIPD reward and employment conditions adviser, believes the workplace can benefit from employee celebrations, "It's encouraging to see that the spirit of Christmas is still popular with most organizations.
Parties and gifts provide the opportunity to boost team morale and thank staff for all their hard work during the year. A little can go a long way in creating a better workplace atmosphere."
A guide to the economy
These sorts of celebrations can also be more than just a goodwill gesture, says Cotton. "Parties and gifts provide a useful barometer as to how well an organization and the economy is doing. The increase in gifts and parties in the manufacturing sector reflects growth experienced by many firms this year."
Other findings
Among the results of the survey were the following statistics:
- 62% of voluntary sector organizations provide a Christmas party or lunch.
- Only 25% of public sector employers provide this.
- Only 16% of private sector service, 4% in the public sector and 1% in the voluntary sector workers will receive a gift.
Survey launch
The full survey containing all aspects of UK reward management practices is due to be launched at the CIPD's Annual Reward Conference on 6 February 2008.
Have your say
Does your employer provide a Christmas party? If so, is this is suitable morale booster or is once a year just not enough? Discuss this and other issues with your communication peers by joining the Internal Comms Hub members' group on the Communicators' Network.
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