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'Firms favour perks over Christmas bonuses'

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Chris Gnapp said while traditional bonuses had become less common, it was still important to show appreciation for staff over the holidays

Christmas bonuses are gradually being phased out, according to the boss of a Guernsey recruitment agency.

Chris Gnapp, managing director at Leapfrog Recruitment, said while the bonuses still exist, companies were now more likely to use performance-based bonuses year round.

He said giving two bonuses spaced out throughout the year rather than one in December had become more common.

He said having a single bonus increased the risk of people "waiting for their bonus, and then deciding to look for a job the following month".

Mr Gnapp said there was still value in companies giving other rewards to incentivise staff members.

He said: "People are your biggest asset, and I think how you look after them throughout the course of the year if that's... being empathetic to any situations they're going through or developing them professionally

"Just generally having a good culture in your workplace, is more important than... any sort of financial bonus."

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Staff at Bean Jar get a homecooked meal from their boss as one of their Christmas perks

Sophie Noakes from the Bean Jar said she was planning to host a Christmas dinner for her staff in her cafe.

Ms Noakes said: "Relationships you have with staff members aren't different to other relationships just because they're your employees, they are just earned through time and hard work.

"I think personability is really important... and we've lost that because there is too much emphasis on buying things and commercialism."

Ms Noakes said a lack of money could be an issue for staff members around this time of year and she understood it could be a challenge.

Mr Gnapp said jobseekers were now more likely to ask about the culture of a company rather than about bonuses.

He said: "That's hugely important for people looking for a job, and I would say as important as any sort of financial element that the job could give you."

Mr Gnapp said employers needed to consider how they rewarded staff beyond pay: "It doesn't have to be the big grand gestures, I just think in order for you to retain your staff they've got to feel valued."

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