Employers should resist failing to acknowledge employee efforts this Christmas, according to the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

CMI figures show that 65% of managers across the UK believe that Christmas parties are important in helping to improve employee engagement, while 66% said that the office Christmas party is vital to recognise the hard work of staff over the year. A further 71% think end of year celebrations should continue despite the recession.

Ruth Spellman, CMI chief executive, says: “There are too many examples showing that the poor quality of management and leadership in the UK lies at the heart of the disengaged workforce. 

“Our research shows that end of year festivities are clearly still of great importance to the UK workforce but the survey raises an interesting dilemma for UK organisations.  How can employers say thank you without incurring the wrath of the wider public?  The answer is that employee engagement has never been as important as it is now, but it must come hand-in-hand with a tighter grip around the purse strings.”