(Bloomberg) -- Business is going strong, but fewer U.S. companies are celebrating with holiday parties this year.
This may be the result of the #MeToo movement, which has highlighted sexual harassment and assault in the workplace, according to a survey released Tuesday by consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. Only 65 percent of companies are holding a holiday celebration this year -- the lowest percentage since 2009, the study shows.
“The number could be due to several factors, including potential liability following the #MeToo movement,” said Andrew Challenger, vice president of the firm. “HR departments nationwide are responding to this particular issue.”
Related: #MeToo's First Year Ends With More Than 425 Accused
Economic conditions aren't part of the equation, according to Challenger. “Companies are sitting on tax savings and generally report a thriving economy,” he said.
Another reason for the drop in holiday events, the study shows, is a rise in employees that work remotely, which can make the logistics of a gathering more difficult.
Challenger, Gray & Christmas surveyed 150 human resources representatives across the U.S. in October.
--With assistance from Jeff Green.
To contact the reporter on this story: Leslie Patton in Chicago at lpatton5@bloomberg.net
To contact the editors responsible for this story: Anne Riley Moffat at ariley17@bloomberg.net, Jonathan Roeder, Lisa Wolfson
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