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News Release from: Chartered Management Institute | Subject: 'Christmas Outlook' survey
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 December 2006
CMI 'Christmas Outlook' survey finds
Scrooge
Chartered Management Institute's annual 'Christmas Outlook' survey shows that Employers resent the outlay and fear repercussions from excessive celebrating at company parties..
A 'Scrooge mentality' has emerged throughout the UK construction sector, with many organisations placing restrictions on festive celebrations Although the majority of employers do host a party, the Chartered Management Institute's annual 'Christmas Outlook' survey shows that they resent the outlay and fear repercussions from excessive celebrating
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 28 Nov 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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Christmas cheer will be missing from many organisations in the construction sector this year says Chartered Management Institute annual 'Christmas Outlook' survey.
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'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.
The survey of 468 managers shows that 77 per cent of organisations in the construction sector hold Christmas parties for their staff - slightly down on 82 per cent, last year.
However, this apparent demonstration of thanks hides negative feelings about Christmas celebrations in the workplace, with 1 in 3 managers in the construction sector expressing concern about disruption to work and 28 per cent suggesting the party season has become too long.
Key findings, from the research, include: -Holding back the hand of goodwill: 26 per cent of organisations in the construction sector make no financial contribution towards end-of-year celebrations and 23 per cent spend GBP20 or less per head for the Christmas party.
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Those in engineering are amongst the most generous with 13 per cent spending over GBP81 per head, compared to 1 per cent in local government.
* Fear factor: 32 per cent believe discrimination laws will have an impact on Christmas parties.
Of these respondents, 68 per cent are thinking twice before agreeing to holding parties and 26 per cent fear an increase in tribunals.
Almost two-thirds (64 per cent) also believe organisations will be forced to introduce codes of conduct, outlining acceptable behaviour at work parties.
* Faking the fun: many respondents suggest that the atmosphere at workplace parties is false, with 30 per cent describing it as 'forced'.
1 in 4 say they only go out of a 'sense of duty' - with the implication being that attendance is essential for career development.
A small minority (1 in 10) go as far as claiming Christmas parties are a 'waste of time'.
However, despite these negative views, many managers in the sector suggest Christmas parties are a good way to boost team morale (69 per cent) and thank staff for their contributions during the year (77 per cent).
42 per cent of respondents agreed, claiming that they used the Christmas party to 'let their hair down' and 'meet people from across the organisation (57 per cent).
Jo Causon, director, marketing and corporate affairs, at the Chartered Management Institute, says: "Although employers are fearful of the impact discrimination legislation may have, it is essential they take the time to thank staff for their efforts".
"Parties do not have to be extravagant, but a little thanks can go a long way in creating a better atmosphere in the workplace." Away from work, the survey also asked respondents to name the festive music they dreaded most and the 'must see film'.
Although a minority claimed they did not dislike any festive music, 17 per cent said named Slade's 'Merry Christmas Everybody', 11 per cent identified Cliff Richard's songs, especially 'Mistletoe and Wine', and 1 in 10 cited 'Jingle Bells' as their most hated Christmas song.
The most popular films to relax to this holiday season were named as 'It's a Wonderful Life', 'Casino Royale', 'White Christmas' and 'The Snowman'.
Across the UK, the Institute's research shows that organisations in London (84 per cent) and the South-West (80 per cent) are more likely to be holding Christmas events.
Only 58 per cent of Scottish organisations will be having an end-of year party, but the lowest was East Anglia (57 per cent).
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