Is your boss more of a Scrooge or a Santa at Christmas time?

Londonís financial services secretarial and support staff lift the lid on what their bosses are really like come the festive season and what theyíd like from them for Christmas.

A survey of secretarial and support staff working in Londonís financial services industry has found that a staggering 71% of bosses have either never, or only occasionally, shown their appreciation for their hard work. Unsurprisingly, 77% of Londonís secretarial and support professionals also said that they would be more enthusiastic about their work if their boss showed their appreciation more often.

Clearly, it is time for bosses to think about redeeming themselves and the festive season provides the perfect opportunity. According to the online survey, by recruiter Morgan McKinleyís Secretarial & Support Division in conjunction with luxury gift service Happy Box London, 56% of secretarial and support staff either didnít like the gift they received from their bosses last Christmas or didnít receive one at all. So, itís high time City bosses showed a little more appreciation and thought more carefully about their gift choices.

Bosses take note: Londonís secretarial and support professionals have revealed what theyíd like most from you this ChristmasÖ

Top 3 Most Wanted Xmas gifts:
1. Dinner for two at a top London restaurant
2. Luxury accessories or gift/ ëexperienceí vouchers
3. Pampering/grooming products

Top 3 Xmas gifts to avoid:
1. Chocolates
2. Designer stationery
3. Flowers/plants

Julie-Anne Page, Associate Director, Morgan McKinley Secretarial & Support Division comments: ìSecretarial and support staff are the backbone of any office and are the reason many bosses get through the working day, therefore it is only fair that they are shown a level of appreciation that reflects this.

Showing appreciation for staffís hard work is imperative for motivating them to perform at their best, a small gesture such as sending an email thank you or acknowledging a job well done in front of colleagues can go a long way. However, Christmas time also provides the perfect chance to demonstrate gratitude for their contribution to the business.î

Thankfully, there seem to be more Santas than Scrooges amongst Londonís bosses. Only 19% either say ëbah humbugí to any seasonís greeting or ignore the season all together. The 81% majority embrace the festive season and are happy to celebrate with colleagues over a glass of mulled wine or two. If theyíre to really impress their secretarial and support staff, bosses should listen to what they have hinted are at the top of their wish lists this festive season.

Ali Nester, Managing Director Happy Box London comments: ìThe real worth of a gift lies in its appropriateness, not simply its value. Gifts that demonstrate real thought and imagination will always be well received and Christmas is the perfect opportunity for bosses to show appreciation for the hard work of Londonís secretarial and support professionals. A little care and consideration makes an impact on both a personal and professional level.î

The best & worst gifts received from bossesÖ

The best:
ëA long weekend for two in a Swiss ski resortí
ëAn all expenses paid trip to a 5 star hotel in the south of Franceí
ëAn all expenses paid trip to Rome, with a personal tour guide and dinner at an exclusive restaurantí
ëPrada bag, Yves Saint Laurent bracelet and Chanel earringsí
ëMagnum of champagneí

The worst:
ëThe corporate gift given to clients from the companyí
ëConcert tickets ñ given to me at the last minute because the boss couldnít goí
ëA cardí
ëA personalised candleí