Scrooge employers could be shooting themselves in the foot

Wed, 11 Nov 2009

Firms should be wary over reining in Christmas celebrations, despite the difficult economic climate, according to the British Association of Communicators in Business (CiB) – soon to become the Institute of Internal Communication.

Failure to reward staff for their work throughout the year could result in diminished motivation and employee engagement levels, according to CiB.

CiB recommends:

·        Weigh up the benefits of cutting back on Christmas celebrations against possible negative impacts.

·        Be fair to all groups if you do have to cancel events  - don’t offer treats at other times to particular groups.

·        If cuts are necessary, offer clear guidance about why and reinforce how much staff are valued.

·        Consider coming up with a lower cost alternative and embrace employee feedback and suggestions

CiB chairman Dominic Walters says: “Businesses should not take for granted that staff will automatically understand and accept a cost-cutting exercise, regardless of how obvious circumstances might appear to be.

“Of course, businesses that cultivate a constructive relationship with staff throughout the year will fare best when having to convey difficult information. Organisations that treat occasions such as Christmas celebrations as a substitute for proper employee relations are already in a precarious position in terms of getting the best out of their staff.”