News You Can Use: Merrymaking seems recession-proof

Most companies haven’t lost their holiday spirit in the wake of a difficult financial year. About 71% of employers will continue their plans for a holiday party for employees this year, according to a Hewitt survey of more than 160 employers.

Among the 42% of companies offering holiday bonuses this year, 52% will provide them in cash, spending an average of $863 per employee. Forty-two percent will give gift cards or gift certificates averaging $76 per person, and 16% will give food, Hewitt reports.