Paul Boughton
Far from being the victim of cutbacks, Christmas parties remain on the agenda for many organisations across the engineering sector. However, a survey shows that employers now prefer to spend their money on social causes and more personal ‘thank yous’ to staff.
The Chartered Management Institute’s annual ‘Christmas Outlook’ survey reveals that 65 per cent of employers in the sector will host parties in 2008 – a figure that remains broadly consistent with last year (66 per cent). Yet in a sign that ‘budget bashes’ are dominating the festive season, just 15 per cent strongly agree with the idea that employees’ partners should be included. Perhaps surprisingly, given the current need to focus on customer retention, only 7 per cent plan to invite clients.
Asked to explain why they intended to party in the face of current financial difficulties, 72 per cent in the engineering sector pointed to the need to boost staff morale. However, the data does show that many employers believe extravagant parties are unnecessary. 31 per cent, for example, suggest that ‘hosting expensive parties can have negative impact on reputation’.
The survey of managers and business leaders also reveals that 8 per cent of employers in the sector will make no financial contribution to ‘office parties’, this year. Some (32 per cent) have agreed to pay up to £40 per person.
According to the findings, employers in the engineering sector are also adopting a more socially aware attitude in the run-up to Christmas. Twenty-four per cent now demonstrate their concern for the environment by sending e-Cards (up from 15 per cent in 2007). Amongst those still reliant on traditional Greetings Cards, 39 per cent only buy cards supporting a specific charity. Forty-one per cent also argue that ‘Christmas is an appropriate time to engage in CSR activity’.
It is clear from the Institute’s survey that employers are refusing to allow the tighter economic circumstances stop them from showing appreciation to their colleagues. Asked how they say ‘thank you’, 24 per cent of line managers in the sector admit to buying gifts for each member of their team, 40 per cent actively encourage their teams to take time off (even though 43 per cent intend to work themselves) and 10 per cent give time off, without taking it out of their staff’s holiday entitlement.
Jo Causon, director, marketing and corporate affairs at the Chartered Management Institute, says: “It should come as no surprise that employers are controlling Christmas budgets with tighter purse-strings this year. However, it is encouraging to see that responsible budget management is going hand-in-hand with an effort to thank staff for their efforts during the year and a determination to recognise hard work.”
Away from work, the survey also asked respondents to name the ‘must hear’ festive music. Among the favourites, this year, were Silent Night, Fairy Tale of New York (The Pogues) and Bing Crosby’s White Christmas.
For more information, visit www.managers.org
The Chartered Management Institute’s annual ‘Christmas Outlook’ survey reveals that 65 per cent of employers in the sector will host parties in 2008 – a figure that remains broadly consistent with last year (66 per cent). Yet in a sign that ‘budget bashes’ are dominating the festive season, just 15 per cent strongly agree with the idea that employees’ partners should be included. Perhaps surprisingly, given the current need to focus on customer retention, only 7 per cent plan to invite clients.
Asked to explain why they intended to party in the face of current financial difficulties, 72 per cent in the engineering sector pointed to the need to boost staff morale. However, the data does show that many employers believe extravagant parties are unnecessary. 31 per cent, for example, suggest that ‘hosting expensive parties can have negative impact on reputation’.
The survey of managers and business leaders also reveals that 8 per cent of employers in the sector will make no financial contribution to ‘office parties’, this year. Some (32 per cent) have agreed to pay up to £40 per person.
According to the findings, employers in the engineering sector are also adopting a more socially aware attitude in the run-up to Christmas. Twenty-four per cent now demonstrate their concern for the environment by sending e-Cards (up from 15 per cent in 2007). Amongst those still reliant on traditional Greetings Cards, 39 per cent only buy cards supporting a specific charity. Forty-one per cent also argue that ‘Christmas is an appropriate time to engage in CSR activity’.
It is clear from the Institute’s survey that employers are refusing to allow the tighter economic circumstances stop them from showing appreciation to their colleagues. Asked how they say ‘thank you’, 24 per cent of line managers in the sector admit to buying gifts for each member of their team, 40 per cent actively encourage their teams to take time off (even though 43 per cent intend to work themselves) and 10 per cent give time off, without taking it out of their staff’s holiday entitlement.
Jo Causon, director, marketing and corporate affairs at the Chartered Management Institute, says: “It should come as no surprise that employers are controlling Christmas budgets with tighter purse-strings this year. However, it is encouraging to see that responsible budget management is going hand-in-hand with an effort to thank staff for their efforts during the year and a determination to recognise hard work.”
Away from work, the survey also asked respondents to name the ‘must hear’ festive music. Among the favourites, this year, were Silent Night, Fairy Tale of New York (The Pogues) and Bing Crosby’s White Christmas.
For more information, visit www.managers.org
