Almost 70% of organisations will provide a Christmas party this year for their staff making it the fourth most commonly provided employee perk, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s (CIPD) Annual Reward Management survey 2008.

The research found that workers in smaller organisations are far more likely to benefit from the Christmas spirit, more than 80% of firms employing up to 49 staff will provide a Christmas party this year, while 17% provide a seasonal gift such as hampers and vouchers. By contrast 50% of companies employing 5,000 staff will hold a party this year and 15% give a gift.

The initial findings show that private sector service employers are the most generous with 84% likely to provide a Christmas party or lunch. The manufacturing industry has shown a leap this year with 77% now offering Christmas parties, an increase from 60% last year. There has also been an increase over the past two years in the public and voluntary sector organisations, however they still remain the least likely to provide a gift or throw a Christmas party.

Charles Cotton, CIPD reward and employment conditions adviser, says: “It is encouraging to see that the spirit of Christmas is still popular with most organisations. Christmas parties and gifts provide smaller organisations with the opportunity to boost team morale and thank staff for all their hard work during the year. A little can go a long way in creating a better atmosphere within the workplace. However, recognition need not only be a once-a-year occurrence, but can be an ongoing process with managers recognising achievement with a simple thank you.”

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