Return of the Christmas Bonus

Roll over, Scrooge, and tell Tiny Tim the news: companies are expected to be more generous with their workers this holiday season, according to a new survey from BNA. A stabilizing economy makes employers more likely than last year to give end-of-year gifts and bonuses. This marks a notable shift in sentiment, as the awarding of such bonuses and gifts hit an all-time low in 2009. Bosses are also more likely to sponsor holiday parties, as well as allow spouses and otherwise significant others and other guests to attend with their employees. And organizations are even feeling more confident these days to contribute to charitable activities this season. Not all the news is about “more” though – with concerns about legal liability, there will be less free-flowing alcohol at company-sponsored celebrations. And due to the fact that Christmas and New Year's Day fall on Saturdays this year, there will be a reduction in extended-holiday leave. BNA is a legal and business publisher. To access its report, click here.