Some employees reap the rewards at Christmas but should be wary of excess celebrations

Preliminary findings from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Developmentís (CIPD) annual Reward Management 2005 survey show some employers still believe in giving.

The research, due to be launched at the Annual Reward Conference, on the 9 February 2005, looks at employers attitudes towards giving at Christmas. The results indicate that 62% of employers meet the majority or most of the cost of a Christmas party or lunch. However, only 10% 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 81% likely to provide a Christmas party or lunch.

69% of the manufacturing and production firms provide a Christmas party or lunch.

55% of voluntary sector organisations provide a Christmas party or lunch.

Only 27% of public sector employers provide a party or lunch.

Manufacturing and production companies are more likely to provide a gift, with18% doing so.

Only 10% of private sector service, 8% in the Voluntary sector and 3% of public sector workers will receive a gift such as a hamper or voucher.Charles Cotton, CIPD Reward and Employment Conditions Adviser, says,

Christmas is the traditional time to recognise staff and show appreciation for the previous years work.However, employers should remember that Christmas is not the only time when rewards should be given. Charles Cotton says,Employers should consider reward throughout the working year. Other forms of reward should be considered, such as additional days leave - employers need to think creatively and select a strategy relevant to both the business and employees needs.

Nationwide Building Society offers a fixed grant of 35 per person towards a Christmas party and give a 50 gift of vouchers to every member of staff and 35 to pensioners. They organise subsidised Christmas lunches and put on a childrenís pantomime with professional entertainers in the head office and admin centres. They also organise and pay for a number of Christmas luncheons throughout the UK for their pensioners.

Paul Bissell, Senior Rewards Manager at Nationwide Building Society, says, We recognise that staff need constant review and recognition throughout the year for their work. However, Christmas is the traditional time for giving and it is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation with a small gift and give something back to the community and the people who have been the foundation of our success.

Many organisations are planning Christmas parties and although over 50% of organisations have an alcohol policy (CIPD Alcohol and drug policies in UK organisations survey) it tends to be forgotten or simply ignored at this time of year. Employees should be careful not to overindulge during work these events.

If it is your first Christmas party with your employer take your cue from your bosses. If they are not letting their hair down, make sure you behave sensibly as well. Remember these events are a really good opportunity to meet new people and network, so try to talk to people you donít normally work with, says Cotton.