Ruth Spellman, Chief Executive of Investors in People UK, commented,

“Whilst it’s important to keep staff focused to ensure that the job gets done over the Christmas period, no one wants a Grinch for a manager.  The key to getting the best from your staff at a time when they may be distracted by planning for Christmas is to ensure that they continue to enjoy coming to work.  Wise men and women understand that staff motivation is vital to all year round prosperity.”

Businesses of 250+ employees are most likely to suffer from seasonal slow down (70%) – but growing companies are also vulnerable (67%).  To stem staff sluggishness, Investors in People is urging bosses to keeping employee spirits high with six top tips.

Managers’ little helpers: Investors in People offers the following top tips to employers who want to get the best out of their staff during the Christmas period:

1. Promote healthy working by making time to check in with staff – make sure they are not struggling in to work with a nasty cold or flu, or suffering from lack of proper cover or support;

2. Ensure that any extra time staff put in over Christmas is logged in their next review – and make sure that your employees know it has been noted;

3. Don’t be a Scrooge – if you’re not awarding bonuses, why not at least give each member of staff working over Christmas a small festive gift as a token of appreciation – it need not cost you much but will show you recognise each employee’s commitment;

4. Show your own face - if you’re not prepared to put in the hours during the festive period, how can you expect your team to deliver?

5. Think outside the Christmas box – allow your staff to take an extra half hour at lunchtime for present buying and make up the time at the start or end of the day;

6. Pay extra attention to those employees who work shifts during the Christmas period Bank Holidays - at a time when everyone else is celebrating with friends and family, it is important that managers keep staff motivated in their work.

For further information about how Investors in People or the Standard could help your business perform better, visit www.investorsinpeople.co.uk

Media interviews/further information

Investors in People UK spokespeople are available for further comment or interview.  Please contact the Investors in People press office on 020 7544 3118.

YouGov interviewed a nationally representative quota sample of over 2500 working adults throughout UK & Ireland between 29 July and 3 August 2005.  Those who are self-employed and work on their own were excluded.  The full sample has been weighted to the known profile of the GB and Northern Ireland population.

1. Investors in People UK was established in 1993 to provide national ownership of the Investors in People Standard and is responsible for its promotion and branding, quality assurance and development.
   
2. The Investors in People Standard provides a framework for improving business performance and competitiveness through good practice in human resource development.
   
3. The Investors in People Standard is promoted and developed by Investors in People UK - a public body whose main stakeholder is the Department for Education and Skills.
   
4. The Investors in People Standard is delivered by a partner network:

· In England, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and Business Links.

· In Scotland, Scottish Enterprise (SE) or Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

· In Wales, the National Council for Education and Training for Wales and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, jointly known as Education Learning Wales (ELWa).

· In Northern Ireland, the Department for Employment and Learning.