Menu
03/12/2003
'Bonus' becoming a spectre of Christmas past
Employers across the UK are "failing to reward their staff at Christmas," but employees have shown "camaraderie by creating their own festive cheer," according to a survey conducted by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
The research reveals that despite expectations, almost 80% of organisations no longer give a Christmas bonus and more than half require staff to work during the festive period. This lack of merriment was a growing trend the CMI said, as 12 months ago almost 90% of the managers questioned said that their organisation provided a Christmas party, compared to only two-thirds, this year.
Of those companies willing to host festivities, 65% demanded that staff contribute to events. Over three-quarters (76%) asked employees to pay £20 or more towards workplace celebrations, but requests for contributions differ widely across regions. Only 30% of employees in Wales were asked to put their hand in their pocket, compared to almost 80% in the North-East, the report claimed.
The research also showed that organisations feared business would suffer from a decrease in productivity during the run up to Christmas. Over one-fifth specifically claimed 'morning after' absenteeism was a problem and one-third revealed concerns over staff shortages and supplier payments.
"Christmas may only come once a year, but it is a regular event which should be planned for," Karen Charlesworth, head of research at the Institute, said.
"Rather than bemoan potential disruption, organisations should make provisions and consider the long-term benefit of showing appreciation to their staff."
Employers in the charity sector were the most likely to use the Christmas period to build team spirit. Over two-thirds (67%) gave staff time off without counting it against an individual's annual holiday allowance.
However, reflecting the fears of disruption to business, only 28% of manufacturing sector employees provided holiday time in addition to core entitlement.
The research, undertaken between November 24 and December 1, was conducted nationwide amongst 2,400 managers.
(gmcg)
The research reveals that despite expectations, almost 80% of organisations no longer give a Christmas bonus and more than half require staff to work during the festive period. This lack of merriment was a growing trend the CMI said, as 12 months ago almost 90% of the managers questioned said that their organisation provided a Christmas party, compared to only two-thirds, this year.
Of those companies willing to host festivities, 65% demanded that staff contribute to events. Over three-quarters (76%) asked employees to pay £20 or more towards workplace celebrations, but requests for contributions differ widely across regions. Only 30% of employees in Wales were asked to put their hand in their pocket, compared to almost 80% in the North-East, the report claimed.
The research also showed that organisations feared business would suffer from a decrease in productivity during the run up to Christmas. Over one-fifth specifically claimed 'morning after' absenteeism was a problem and one-third revealed concerns over staff shortages and supplier payments.
"Christmas may only come once a year, but it is a regular event which should be planned for," Karen Charlesworth, head of research at the Institute, said.
"Rather than bemoan potential disruption, organisations should make provisions and consider the long-term benefit of showing appreciation to their staff."
Employers in the charity sector were the most likely to use the Christmas period to build team spirit. Over two-thirds (67%) gave staff time off without counting it against an individual's annual holiday allowance.
However, reflecting the fears of disruption to business, only 28% of manufacturing sector employees provided holiday time in addition to core entitlement.
The research, undertaken between November 24 and December 1, was conducted nationwide amongst 2,400 managers.
(gmcg)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 December 2018
Reward App Launched To Encourage Shoppers Into City Centre
Belfast City Council has announced a new rewards scheme aimed at bringing shoppers back into the city centre. Some 200 businesses have signed up to the new 'Your Belfast Rewards' app – offering hundreds of prizes to shoppers and visitors.
Reward App Launched To Encourage Shoppers Into City Centre
Belfast City Council has announced a new rewards scheme aimed at bringing shoppers back into the city centre. Some 200 businesses have signed up to the new 'Your Belfast Rewards' app – offering hundreds of prizes to shoppers and visitors.
05 December 2018
Council Launches 'Your Reward Belfast' App
Belfast City Council has launched a new 'Your Belfast Rewards' app. The app offers hundreds of prizes to shoppers and visitors to the city. As part of the #YourBelfast Christmas campaign, with 200 businesses in the city centre participating who will be promoting offers and events within their business.
Council Launches 'Your Reward Belfast' App
Belfast City Council has launched a new 'Your Belfast Rewards' app. The app offers hundreds of prizes to shoppers and visitors to the city. As part of the #YourBelfast Christmas campaign, with 200 businesses in the city centre participating who will be promoting offers and events within their business.
28 November 2018
30 Traders To Showcase Products At Strabane Christmas Fayre
30 traders are to showcase at the Strabane Christmas Fayre which takes place from 1 to 5pm on Sunday 02 December. Featuring a showcase of quality artisan products from the local area, 30 traders have signed up to showcase their wares at this year's fayre.
30 Traders To Showcase Products At Strabane Christmas Fayre
30 traders are to showcase at the Strabane Christmas Fayre which takes place from 1 to 5pm on Sunday 02 December. Featuring a showcase of quality artisan products from the local area, 30 traders have signed up to showcase their wares at this year's fayre.
07 November 2016
Local Businesses Win Free Stall At Christmas Market
Two local start-up businesses have won an annual competition by Market Place, the operators of the Christmas Market, to win a free stall for this year's five-week event. The winners are Belfast Beard Company and Fable Heart. Belfast Beard Company manufactures and sells male grooming products online at markets and wholesale.
Local Businesses Win Free Stall At Christmas Market
Two local start-up businesses have won an annual competition by Market Place, the operators of the Christmas Market, to win a free stall for this year's five-week event. The winners are Belfast Beard Company and Fable Heart. Belfast Beard Company manufactures and sells male grooming products online at markets and wholesale.
10 December 2015
Lidl Christmas Village To Return To Belfast
Lidl Northern Ireland has announced that it will return to Belfast to host the Lidl Christmas Village for the second year running. The village will take place in the Cathedral Gardens of St Anne's Cathedral and will run for four days from Thursday, 10 December until Sunday, 13 December with free admission.
Lidl Christmas Village To Return To Belfast
Lidl Northern Ireland has announced that it will return to Belfast to host the Lidl Christmas Village for the second year running. The village will take place in the Cathedral Gardens of St Anne's Cathedral and will run for four days from Thursday, 10 December until Sunday, 13 December with free admission.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
