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The Economist Daily Chart

December 2nd, 2008

(pdf scan)

Bah, humbug!

The company Christmas party is falling victim to the credit crunch

DRUNKEN passes at colleagues, ill-advised “secret Santa” presents and embarrassing dance moves. Chalk up three more victims of the credit crunch, as beleaguered companies take the axe to Christmas parties. According to a survey of members of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, a British professional-development body, 60% of organisations will host a party or lunch for staff this year, down from nearly 70% last year. Although manufacturing and non-profit sectors are cutting back most, more of these firms will still put on parties than the Scrooge-like public sector. Is it better to have partied and lost than to have never partied at all?