Employers in the IT sector are continuing to host Christmas parties despite the economic crisis, according to a survey by the Chartered Management Institute, but they are expected to be substantially more ‘low-key’.
The survey found that 65% of employers in the sector are planning to hold parties this year, broadly consistent with last year’s figure of 66%. However, 39% remain concerned that such events can attract negative publicity given the current economic climate.
Events will largely be ‘work only’, with only 13% of companies including employees’ partners in the festivities and only 2% inviting clients. A further one in five employers say they will make no financial contribution to any parties held by the company, despite 67% agreeing that the events are needed to boost staff morale.
The survey also revealed that 29% of line managers in the IT sector are planning to buy gifts for their team, while 15% are rewarding staff with time off over Christmas without taking it out of their holiday entitlement. Interestingly, nearly half the line managers surveyed said they planned to work over Christmas themselves.
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