NATION

NATION

Survey: 86 percent
of businesses have parties

NEW YORK — However memorable, or unmemorable, company holiday parties may be, they have become increasingly popular.

A survey by American Express Co. found that 86 percent of businesses planned an event this year.

UThree out of four companies held team lunches, dinners and special events.

UMore companies — 53 percent — hosted in-office parties, rather than at a hotel or party space.

UInvitations were extended to spouses and friends at 46 percent of the businesses polled.

UBeyond holiday parties, 43 percent of surveyed employers planned group activities such as volunteering in a soup kitchen.

UGift exchanges were planned for 41 percent of companies.

UOf employees surveyed, 27 percent said they find holiday parties “fun and interesting”; 48 percent said they “can take it or leave it”; and only 4 percent said the parties are “to be avoided at all costs.”

A majority of companies — 92 percent — said they would also be giving year-end gifts, while only 64 percent of employees said they expect one.

Associated Press