Small private sector companies are more likely to provide a gift at Christmas or organise a party than larger employers, according to findings from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s (CIPD) annual Reward Management survey.
Three-quarters of firms employing up to 49 staff pay for a Christmas party, while 13% provide a gift. By contrast, only two-fifths of companies employing more than 5,000 staff provide for a party and just 2% give a gift.
The full survey is due to be launched at the annual Reward Conference, on the 8 February 2006, and looks at reward management practices within organisations.
Charles Cotton, CIPD reward and employment conditions adviser, said: “Size is certainly something that matters when it comes to Christmas. Smaller firms are far more likely to behave like Santa and dish out presents and parties.”
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The results indicate that 64% of employers meet the majority or most of the cost of a Christmas party or lunch. However, only 13% now provide a Christmas gift such as a hamper or vouchers.
The survey highlights differences between various sectors:
- Private sector service employers are the most generous with 82% likely to provide a Christmas party or lunch.
- 71% of the manufacturing and production companies provide a Christmas party or lunch.
- 66% of voluntary sector organisations provide a Christmas party or lunch.
- Only 21% of public sector employers provide a party or lunch.
- Manufacturing and production companies are more likely to provide a gift, with 21% doing so.
