If you reckon the colleague next to you – perhaps hungover or surfing the net for Christmas presents – is slacking off in the run-up to Christmas, then you're not alone, according to a new survey.
More than two thirds of British employees think their colleagues are less productive at work during the Christmas period, a poll for Investors in People has concluded.
Workers in London had the dubious distinction of scoring the highest in the seasonal slowdown ratings (77 per cent), it added.
Ruth Spellman, Investors in People chief executive, said: "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," she added.
"Wise men and women understand that staff motivation is vital to all-year-round prosperity," she concluded.
Businesses employing more than 250 workers were most vulnerable to a seasonal slowdown (70 per cent), but so were growing companies (67 per cent).
To stem staff sluggishness, the organisation is urging bosses to follow six top tips:
1) Promote healthy working by making time to check in with staff and make sure they are not struggling with a nasty cold or flu or suffering from lack of proper cover or support
2) Ensure 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) If you're not awarding bonuses, at least give each member of staff working over Christmas a small festive gift as a token of appreciation
4) Show your own face because if you're not prepared to put in the hours during the festive period, how can you expect your team to deliver?
5) 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 employees who work shifts during the Christmas period Bank Holidays