The Christmas cash bonus appears to be on the way out as new research shows under 15 per cent of employers still reward staff in that way.
The study by IRS showed that just 14.7% of bosses hand over festive financial bonuses with 28.3 per cent prefering to give a gift. Chocolate and wine were favourite presents, although some bosses said they splash out on a Christmas hamper.
But it appears the main employee benefit for the festive season is the office party. Three quarters of employers said they are planning a celebration – a steady rise from 65 per cent in 2002 and 72 per cent in 2004.
The main reason bosses gave for not holding a party was because an organisation is too big for a single event or it is difficult to halt operations entirely.
Of those planning a party, 47.9 per cent said they will foot the entire bill while 38.4 per cent plan on contributing something towards the costs. Employer contributions ranged from £5-£150 per head, with the average being £40.
