Now that Thanksgiving is over, thoughts often turn to the holidays and the presents and parties that go along with them. Wondering what to get the employee that has everything? (By "everything," I mean a paying job in this economy.) Skip the Christmas cookies; employees want cash, according to an annual survey from Randstad.
According to the survey, although three quarters of workers feel that holiday parties help to build morale, almost a third (29%) of respondents find it inappropriate to host work parties during current economic times.
But if there’s any extra cash lying around, skip the party: 93% would rather receive a bonus than have a holiday party this year.
"Once a popular tradition, the office holiday party doesn’t have the same appeal for workers today given recent layoffs and budget cuts," says Eileen Habelow, Randstad’s senior vice president for organizational development.
"Organizations that decide to do something special for their employees cannot afford for it to backfire. Employers should tap into their employees’ opinions when planning any end-of-year activities or special perks and make sure it’s a win-win for everyone," she adds.
What does your company have planned in terms of holiday gifts or celebrations? More, less or the same as last year? Share your thoughts (and cost-conscious gift ideas) in the comments.
