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Does Your Company Host Happy Hours?
Getting your drink on may not the healthiest vice, but it has proven career advantages. A study conducted by a couple of economists found that people who drink in a social setting earn 10 to 14 percent more than those who save their drinking for home. Office-sanctioned happy hours allow co-workers a chance to socialize and break down work barriers, which can lead to stronger working relationships and idea generating.
I'm Asking: Have You Ever Had a Drink While on the Clock?
It's been said that drinkers earn more on average than those who say no and if that's true, the characters on AMC's Mad Men must be making a fortune. The show captures the wild business of advertising in the 1960s and is filled with martini lunches, post meeting whiskeys and brainstorming with a bottle. Clearly the amount of drinking in the show is greatly exaggerated (I'm not sure anyone would perform in a meeting after downing five cocktails), but it got me thinking about guzzling on work time.
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Do You Need Alcohol to Enjoy Your Office Holiday Party?
It seems that beer goggles have expanded their functionality from bars to office holiday parties. According to a YouGov survey of 1,429 UK workers, 43 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds and 45 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds admitted to needing alcohol to enjoy their office parties; co-workers and bosses seem more tolerable when these workers are under the influence.
Reliance on alcohol dropped as the respondents' ages increased: 32 percent of 34- to 44-year-olds said alcohol was necessary to have a good time, while 25 percent of those aged 45-54 agreed.
Free Non-Alcoholic Drinks From US Airways
After seven months of charging passengers for non-alcoholic drinks, US Airways has reversed its policy and will serve complimentary soda, juice, tea, and coffee on all of its flights. The airline began charging for drinks as a way to combat high gas prices, but the global recession has created less demand for travel and US Airways doesn't want to give thirsty passengers a reason not to buy its tickets.
In an email to customers, the Director of Marketing Programs explained that remaining competitive is the main reason for bringing back free drinks.
How People Are Spending and Where They're Cutting Back
We don't need surveys to tell us that Americans have cut back significantly on spending, but there are plenty of sources if anyone's looking for proof. A new survey by IBM found that more people have been shopping at a variety of stores to find the best deals, and shoppers are focusing on quality and value almost as much as price. Guy Blissett, consumer products leader for IBM Institute For Business Value, commented, "I think it's a much more sophisticated approach to shopping."
Savvy Links!
- Exactly what you should say to get your credit card fees waived. — WalletPop
- It might be impossible to strike a perfect work-life balance, but following these seven tips will help you strike a better one. — MainStreet
- A cooking site that totals the cost for the ingredients in each recipe?
Snip, Snip: 12 Little (and Big) Luxuries We've All Cut Back On
Last week readers shared some of the pre-recession luxuries they've cut back on in the last few months, and I was somewhat relieved to learn we're all scaling back on the same things. While tightening the budget and eliminating your favorite little pleasures isn't enjoyable, there's something reassuring about knowing we're all in this together. What so-called extravagances were the first to go?
What's Your Most Memorable Office Party Moment?
Office holiday parties have the tendency to be awkward, to say the least, which is the reason many workers say they need alcohol to have a good time at these festive functions. On last night's episode of The Office, Meredith took this necessity to the next level and got hammered on a potent alcoholic potion (equal parts scotch, rum, absinthe, gin, vermouth, triple sec, and two packs of Splenda) concocted by the Scranton branch boss himself, Michael Scott. In celebration of the party's "Nights in Morocco" theme, Meredith lifted up her shirt to show off her belly-dancing skills, and while dancing her hair somehow catches on fire.Money Tip: A Cheaper Way to Clean Your Home
Many of you are turning over a new money-saving leaf in 2009, so why not begin your money makeover with the things under your sink? You might already have some of the products that can be used as various cleaners, and what you don't have can be purchased for little money. Mixing your own household cleaners is cheaper than buying name-brand products, and in its February issue Consumer Reports has made an easy to follow list for which products can be used for different areas of your home.
How People Spend Money Around the World
Have you ever wondered how consumers around the globe spend their money, or how other citizens in your own country allocate their paychecks? Forbes did the legwork to satisfy our international curiosity and looked at the consumption patterns for 18 countries. Their figures don't reflect the most recent increases in food and energy costs, but the overall, global picture is very interesting.
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