May 11, 2005 -- The Force will not be with American businesses next week when the new "Star Wars" flick opens.
Employers are expected to see a dramatic spike in absenteeism as workers play hooky to see "Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith," when it opens May 19, according to a new report.
That loss of productivity could cost employers as much as $627 million in the first two days that the picture the last installment of the epic sci-fi series hits theaters.
"There is a lot of anticipation to see the final movie," said John Challenger, CEO of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
"With opening day falling on a Thursday, instead of the traditional Friday premiere, we are looking at two days of 'Star Wars'-induced absenteeism."
The findings are based on the assumption that attendance during the first two days will match that of the last "Star Wars" blockbuster, "Episode II Attack of the Clones," which attracted 9.4 million people in in 2002.
Challenger estimates that 4.8 million of those opening-day attendees are employed at least 35 hours per week. With those full-timers earning an average of $130.60 per day, the two-day cost in terms of lost wages and productivity would be a staggering $626,880,000, he said.
But there is one big plus to the "Star Wars" opening.
"It will result in increased spending on movie tickets and refreshments, increased foreign and domestic tourism, and increased business in shops near the theaters," Challenger said.
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