Employers in the IT sector are continuing to celebrate Christmas
despite the credit crunch, says the
Chartered Management
Institute (CMI).
Far from being the victim of cutbacks, Christmas parties remain
on the agenda for many organisations across the IT sector.
The CMI's annual Christmas Outlook survey reveals that 65% of
employers in the sector will host parties in 2008, a figure that
remains broadly consistent with last year (66%).
Yet in a sign that "budget bashes" are dominating the festive
season, only 13% strongly agree with the idea that employees'
partners should be included.
Perhaps surprisingly, given the current need to focus on
customer retention, only 2% plan to invite clients.
Asked to explain why they intended to party in the face of
current financial difficulties, 67% in the IT sector pointed to the
need to boost staff morale.
However, the data does show that many employers believe
extravagant parties are unnecessary. For instance, 39% suggest that
"hosting expensive parties can have negative impact on
reputation".
The survey of managers and business leaders also reveals that
20% of employers in the sector will make no financial contribution
to office parties this year. More than 25% have agreed to pay up to
£40 per person.