In the latest sign of a booming economy, human resources officers from some 500 corporations anticipate a massive 66 increase in cash Christmas bonuses, added to a big surge in gifts and parties for American workers.

New data to Secrets from Accounting Principals said the “average bonus” will jump from $1,081 last year to $1,797.

Other findings:

39 percent of companies plan to give employees other perks throughout the year instead of a bonus.

38 percent will give charitable donations in lieu of a bonus, up from 31 percent in 2016.

33 percent of HR managers say that asking a boss for a bonus directly will increase the likelihood of getting a bonus, compared to 15 percent in 2016.



For the shy, Accounting Principals, an accounting jobs site, even offered tips on how to get more at Christmas, including “stay motivated, be positive, and volunteer to take on new responsibilities.”

Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner's "Washington Secrets" columnist, can be contacted at pbedard@washingtonexaminer.com