Companies spending on picnics, again

TREVOSE, Pa., July 31 (UPI) -- After the economic downturn, many U.S. companies scaled back morale boosting pursuits, but a survey indicates that at least the company picnic is back.

A survey by the Advertising Specialty Institute of 400 individuals working at companies indicates 41 percent say they're planning a company picnic this summer and 8 percent say they are hosting a picnic for the first time or the first time in recent years.

"Companies that are finally making money again are rewarding their employees for all their hard work and boosting morale with big employee picnics this year," Timothy M. Andrews, president and chief executive officer of ASI, says in a statement.

"Whether you do it with pony rides and barbecue or competitive tournaments and beer, it's clear from our survey that companies are having fun again."

The company picnic survey indicates that:

-- 50 percent of employees generally attend.

-- 63 percent say family is always or sometimes invited.

-- 41 percent always give away promotional products to attendees, while 28 percent sometimes do.

-- Of those who give items, 51 percent give away t-shirts; 44 percent give away recreational items like Frisbees, games and toys; and 32 percent give away caps and headgear.

Picnic offerings include: bouncy houses, inflatable slides, crafts, games, races, carnival attractions, raffles, water guns, hot dog eating competitions, medical testing, jousting and drinking games.

Companies spend an average of $4,116 on their company picnic, the survey says.

No survey details were provided.