t2 business solutions blog

The Importance of a Christmas Party

An article on the ILM website advises that while some office managers may think it is necessary to cancel the office Christmas party due to the current economic climate, it has been claimed is more important than ever to motivate employees.

ILM advise that it is 'crucial' for management to make sure their team feels valued and help boost morale.

The groups chief executive advised that even though holding a Christmas party may seem like a small gesture, it goes a long way toward recognising team achievements over the past year, showing them that their work is not being taken for granted.

ILM advises that Christmas parties can be cost-effective and fun, and it notes that holding the party in the office or booking a venue which is free to hire are other money-saving ideas.

So the question is...where are you having yours?

2011 Census Form To Include 'Welsh'

Wales Online published an article today announcing that a 'Welsh' tick-box will be included in the 2011 census, the Office for National Statistics confirmed yesterday.

In the 2001 census, people were able to define themselves as Irish or Scottish on the official government survey, but there was no option to tick Welsh.

This sparked widespread protests, and the Western Mail led a campaign for the form to be changed.

Peter Benton, the deputy director of the 2011 census yesterday said: “There has been a very strong demand for people to be able to state their own identity, especially to say they were Welsh. We looked for the best way for people to express this.”

In other changes, each Welsh household will receive a bilingual copy of the census form. People will also be able to complete the form online for the first time.

To read the full article, click here.

Success of Business Could Lie With Training

According to an article on the ILM website, studies have shown that it is vital for businesses to offer adequate training to employees. The Learning and Skills Council have advised that training can improve not only the productivity and efficiency of workers, but also staff retention rates.

Jaine Clarke, director of communications at the Learning and Skills Council, claimed that "progressive" companies are able to understand the importance of training staff, which can help them to outstrip their rivals in the marketplace and survive economic difficulties.

"Training is key if businesses are to prosper and grow - whatever the economic circumstances," she remarked.

Statistics from Evaluation of Train to Gain showed that 43% of workers received pay rises as a result of training, while 42% of employers claimed it boosted their productivity and profitability, Ms Clarke added.

Learning strategy director Kevin Lowell wrote for Personnel Today last month that companies should not cut back on their training budgets as a result of the credit crunch.