With some entertainment-industry folks scaling back their plans in the face of the writers strike, at least one big company wants its employees to know that the size of their holiday party is entirely up to them. Witness an email circulated to Comcast staffers from president and C.E.O. Ted Harbert:
"As the holidays approach, we have a big decision to make about the Holiday party. Instead of making the decision myself, I'm going to try a novel new idea called democracy.... In the past, we have always invited full time staff employees plus a guest. Now, with the CEG consolidation, this would result in a party with approximately 3000 guests. Many of you think that's great. Others have expressed that 'plus one' invites makes for too big a crowd to have the best possible time. Therefore, you are going to decide what we do. I must emphasize this is NOT a financial issue. We have set aside the funds to have a great party for all. This is only about what type of party you want. So please ... cast your vote ... Vox Populi!"
Staffers decided in favor of bringing guests, and the party is scheduled for December 11 at the Sony lot.
"As the holidays approach, we have a big decision to make about the Holiday party. Instead of making the decision myself, I'm going to try a novel new idea called democracy.... In the past, we have always invited full time staff employees plus a guest. Now, with the CEG consolidation, this would result in a party with approximately 3000 guests. Many of you think that's great. Others have expressed that 'plus one' invites makes for too big a crowd to have the best possible time. Therefore, you are going to decide what we do. I must emphasize this is NOT a financial issue. We have set aside the funds to have a great party for all. This is only about what type of party you want. So please ... cast your vote ... Vox Populi!"
Staffers decided in favor of bringing guests, and the party is scheduled for December 11 at the Sony lot.
