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Inauguration Becomes De Facto Holiday

Experts say celebrations will boost worker morale

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Jan 19, 2009 3:12 AM CST

(Newser) – Employers nationwide are bracing for a new slowdown, but they're excited about this one, reports USA Today. Thousands of workers nationwide are expected to take the day off tomorrow to watch the inauguration—or watch with co-workers in office parties. Companies are wise to grant the time off, since the festivities will bring employees hope amid a gloomy economic atmosphere, experts note. Watching as a group has particular benefits, they say.

"Watching the inauguration as a work team has the potential to enhance morale," said a workplace psychologist. Like many others, a California company is heeding that advice and closing shop to let employees watch the ceremony together. "This is almost going to be like a national holiday," said the president of the firm. "This is so much more important than productivity."

Washington preps for the historic Inauguration. Many Americans, even those not in DC, are planning to skip work tomorrow. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Many workers plan to take the day off just to surf the web and stay on top of Inauguration news. (Shutter stock)

Party-goers celebrate Obama's victory. Many workplaces are shutting business for the day and allowing employees to celebrate the inauguration together. (AP Photo/The Atlanta Journal & Constitution, Brant Sanderlin)

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Inauguration Becomes De Facto Holiday

Experts say celebrations will boost worker morale

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Inauguration Becomes De Facto Holiday

Experts say celebrations will boost worker morale

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • corporate culture • Americans • inauguration • President Obama • Inauguration Day • employees

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

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