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News Release from: Chartered Management Institute | Subject: 'Christmas Outlook' survey
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 07 December 2005
Scrooge mentality in construction sector
banished
'Christmas Outlook' survey, published by the Chartered Management Institute, reveals that the attitude of UK managers has changed and many extend the spirit of good will and encourage festive fun.
Traditional values are returning to the workplace with many construction executives banishing the 'Scrooge mentality' to Christmas past The annual 'Christmas Outlook' survey, published by the Chartered Management Institute, reveals that the attitude of UK managers has changed over the last 12 months, as many extend the spirit of good will and encourage festive fun
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 28 Nov 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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The figure is in sharp contrast to Christmas 2004, when only 10 per cent strongly agreed that they enjoyed the office festivities.
Key findings from the survey, which is published today, include:.
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* Party spirit: The number of construction organisations hosting end-of-year parties has climbed to 82 per cent this year, compared to only 65 per cent last year.
In a show of generosity to their staff, 84 per cent of organisations also contribute towards the cost of the celebrations, up from 58 per cent in 2004.
* Extended hand of good will: Workplace chimneys will need to be swept in the run up to Christmas as increasing numbers of cards and small gifts are exchanged.
This year, over half (57 per cent) will send a card to colleagues and 7 per cent plan to exchange presents.
Over one- third (36 per cent) admit they will give a card to their boss and 1 in 3 will send seasons greetings to suppliers.
* Virtuous values: 41 per cent of construction organisations donate money to charity at Christmas and the majority of respondents (75 per cent) also believe that Christmas has become too commercial.
* No silent nights: 52 per cent suggest that Christmas is a "time to let your hair down" as 77 per cent say festivities boost morale or are a chance to recognise hard work (49 per cent) and thank staff (59 per cent).
Only 1 in 10 strongly believe the party season has become too long.
The sense of festive fun is clear as managers also identify their favourite Christmas songs.
'Silent Night' and Slade's 'Merry Xmas Everybody' come top of the list with The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl singing 'Fairytale of New York' also receiving popular support.
One third (29 per cent) of the managers questioned also participate in 'Secret Santa' schemes, up from 21 per cent twelve months ago.
However, the generosity on display to colleagues and charities does not reach all areas ' only 1 per cent of suppliers and 6 per cent of clients can expect to receive gifts this year.
Jo Causon, director, marketing and corporate affairs, at the Chartered Management Institute, says: "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".
Only 13 per cent of construction managers claimed that the "office party caused problems with morning after absenteeism" (down from 43 per cent last year).
One-fifth (20 per cent) actively encourage a relaxed atmosphere in the workplace, with nearly three-quarters of the construction managers questioned (71 per cent) claiming to suggest colleagues take time off over Christmas.
1 in 4 (23 per cent) of organisations also give time off, without it counting as holiday entitlement.
The survey also shows that the UK's large organisations are the least generous.
72 per cent make no financial contribution to staff parties, compared to 62 for small and 59 per cent for medium-sized organisations.
Managers in organisations employing 25 people or less are also more likely to encourage holidays, with 62 per cent claiming they actively suggest employees take time off at Christmas, compared to only 41 per cent of those employing 251 or more people.
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