Creative (And Cheap) Holiday Perks for Employees

Can't afford to give out bonuses this Christmas? You're not alone. Only 31 percent of business owners plan to give year-end bonuses this year, down from 44 percent last year, according to the American Express OPEN Small Business Holiday Monitor, which surveyed 500 business owners. And only 16 percent say they plan to give raises, down from 30 percent in 2008. So how can you show employees how much you appreciate them without breaking the bank?

In lieu of bonuses and raises at Proforma Worldwide Support Center, a printing and promotional products franchise in Cleveland, executives have vowed to scrape snow off of all 100 employees' cars at least once a month this winter. They're also treating workers to breakfast once a month. "Pretty much everyone is working harder than ever, and it's a way to thank people," company president Greg Muzzillo told the Wall Street Journal. Check out the article for more creative alternatives to holiday parties and perks for employees and clients.