UK managers have regained the Christmas spirit in 2005 shaking off the Scrooge mentality many had last year, according to research from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
The survey of 639 managers reveals that fewer than one in five managers believe Christmas celebrations are “a chore”. The figure is in sharp contrast to Christmas 2004, when only 16% suggested they enjoyed the office festivities.
The survey also shows that number of organisations hosting end-of-year parties is climbing after a two-year dip.
At 74%, work-based celebrations have risen above two-thirds for the first time since 2003. In a show of generosity to their staff, 67% of organisations also contribute towards the cost of the celebrations, up from 59% in 2004.
Almost half of the managers questioned (48%) said that Christmas is a “time to let your hair down”, with 70% saying festivities boost morale or are a chance to recognise hard work (51%) and thank staff (63%).
Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs at the CMI, said: “It’s encouraging to report a sea-change in attitudes. For the past two years, organisations have been giving Christmas the cold turkey treatment, but rather than bemoan disruption, most managers recognise this time of year as a chance to show appreciation for the hard work colleagues put in.”
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