Hearst Cancels Holiday Party

New York Magazine:

Turns out the belt-tightening at Hearst hasn't stopped with the closing of CosmoGIRL!. Now comes word that plans for the company-wide holiday party are shelved. For years, Hearst treated staffers to a lavish catered affair at Tavern on the Green. But with the magazine business on the skids, Hearst cut costs last season by celebrating in the atrium of its new Norman Foster-designed tower (one staffer griped about food running out). Now even an in-house party seems excessive during the economic meltdown. A spokesperson says she hopes "employees will understand our recent decision to forgo a company-wide holiday party this year."

Read the whole story: New York Magazine

Comments

[larry278]

Jewish & Muslim firms often stay open late on Xmas eve. They have a nice after work spread for those of us who worked Xmas eve. I enjoy a bonus & weak, luke warm tea is ok by me. I enjoy the day off on Xmas day but I don't mind doing a rush delivery or opening up for 2 hrs on Xmas day to help those who couldn't shop before Xmas. They are nice to me & spend big. I like to think that I'm helping them give their loved ones Xmas. My kids understood & were supportive of Dad helping Santa.

[GrainOSand]

Corporate holiday parties are always forced affairs in large companies. The best ones I have attended have been those of small companies or departments, where everyone knew one another. One of the things I most despised about holiday parties was the inevitable situation where someone you really have little regard for based on their behavior throughout the year, gets a little drunk and finds courage to make you their friendly focus for the evening. Once a woman kissed me on the mouth at a company holiday party and I was left somewhat embarrassed and shocked, since it was well known that we were not friendly. I always wonder about the inconsistent hater, if you hated me yesterday, just because the company has gotten you inebriated is no reason to change your position.

Happy holidays to everyone. It is not the giving and receiving of gifts that makes the holidays special; it is the love that the gift giving represents, and the love represented in gratitude that the receiving of a gift symbolizes. Therefore, no gift given in love can be tallied on a receipt for its value. It is priceless.

[larry278]

Xmas parties have always been difficult for athists, agnostics & other non-




















Xmas parties always were difficult for atheists, agnostics & other non-Christians who couldn't take the day off or go on vacation. The egg nog & Tom & Jerry's were rough on those with an allergy to dairy products too. The family may appreciate you coming home sober. Quiet time with the family at Xmas can be fun. There is the advent wreath & a sea food supper on Xmas eve.

[motherofsons]

puleeze. hearst employees are glad they don't have to attend kathy's stupid party this year. no worries--Kathy and co will their own celebration.

[ByersL]

Why can't they do a pot luck and have some fun with the radio. I mean, lots of companies have cut back but it doesn't mean you can't celebrate together!

[SOLERSO68]

LOL . That would probably be fun for normal people.

[munki]

When it all sinks in... people will appreciate the gesture.
This has been done a lot in other countries.­.. not to rattle the feather...

[SpoxLogic]

All I can say is: WOW!!

I think the Chicago Tribune just made it easier for many Republicans to vote for Obama. I am sure that many feel the same way as stated in the write up, and seeing it in print, it might just convince them that it's OK to cross over. If only in 2008.

I'm a Democrat, but Republicans need to reclaim their Party. If Obama is president for 8 years, take that time to reclaim your Party. Scour out the bums that have made a travesty of the Republican Party.

And Democrats, we need to kick out our own bums as well. If we see them putting themselves first, kick their arses out. We must be vigilant so that the Democratic Party NEVER, EVER ends up like the mess that is now the Republican Party.

[folksonomy]

I like what you said there.

[ByersL]

The far religious right took them over with Reagan. Not to dismiss Reagan, it wasn't his doing. My parents haven't voted R since then in protest of the hijacking of the R party. I mean, we Dems used to disagree with them, but it wasn't hateful and mean--we could coexist. Not so with the likes of Bachmann, Gingrich and Palin around!

[marymansour]

Oh woe is me. No boozy men and women having illicit sex in a closet. Tush, tush.

[AceInTheHole]

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ALL THE MONEY IS BEING SUCKED TO THE TOP!

[Talullah]

So the overpaid suits won't have an open bar and excessive gifts. Awww

[quiviran]

Only the company-wide party has been cancelled. The brass won't be affected.

[wm1066]

I worked for a department store that shut its Xmas party down and told all employees it couldn't accept any gifts from outside vendors but the CEO got to go to France on Tommy Hilfigers dime for a Xmas party. You are right the top brass will get their party!